Dining With Jesus

Not long ago when reading a post from a friend, I read Revelations 3:20 from a different perspective. I saw this verse as a call to grace and to dining on grace WITH Jesus. I hope you’ll be able to see this verse not only from salvation, but as an open invitation from Jesus to continue to dine with Him, partaking of more of His grace.

TRUTH – Revelations 3:20 ESV says “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

So often in our Christian walk, we’ve probably glanced over this verse not seeing how it is relevant to our daily walk, no matter how long we’ve known the Lord. Let’s break it down so we can get a new revelation of God’s invitation to us through Jesus. The first word ‘behold’ isn’t used much anymore. When was the last time you heard someone say to you “behold”? What does that word mean in our world today?

The dictionary actually defines it as an archaic word meaning to see or observe, to gaze upon or view, watch or witness. I believe Jesus is saying to His followers, to us “Behold—see and observe, watch and witness.” All very important words.

What are we to observe, watch and witness? The great and never-ending love of God through Jesus. God’s favor and grace in Jesus that transforms us from the inside out. It’s not a one-time event. I believe it’s a continual observing, a continual watching and witnessing of how God’s love flows to us through Jesus and what His love does to transform us from the inside out.

Behold—watch, observe, and see that if anyone (whosoever will) sees the love of God and continues to hear His voice, Jesus will do something for that person—for you. When you’ve received the love of God that washes you free of the guilt, shame and blame of the past and shows you a new future, you want more. That’s when you open your heart for all that God has for you through Jesus’ finished work.

But there’s more, something deeper than just hearing His voice. A lot of people hear the voice of the Lord but decide it’s not time to follow Him yet. He won’t push His goodness on anyone because He’s given you a free will. He woes you and wants you to hear His voice, then you can open your heart to receive all that He has for you. He’s a good Daddy who tries to steer you away from the bad things in life and choose His goodness;, but again, He won’t force you. He is encouraging you to let Him in so He can fellowship with you.

It’s not just for salvation, but a continual feast of God’s goodness. It’s His promise to you. When you open your heart and receive Him, He does come into your heart and life. He doesn’t want you to stop at that point because His goodness, His blessings, His sufficiency can’t be limited. The Psalmist knew in part how to dine and receive of the Lord’s grace, mercy, and favor and encouraged his people to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8 NIV).

APPLICATION -The abundant sufficiency of God’s grace and goodness continues to expand in our lives as we dine on His Word. His Word is living and it continues providing life to our mortal bodies each time we receive it. And that’s what Jesus wants. He wants your relationship to be one of continual growth and depth in Him. Many believers are saved and sitting in church pews but aren’t growing in their relationship with Jesus. They don’t know His fullness, only that He is their savior—that’s a good starting place, but why not go deeper and learn more of who Jesus is in your life, and what He has for you?

When you invite company to your house for supper, you look forward to hearing what your friends and family have been doing since the last time you saw them. You enjoying laughing at fun times remembered and shared together. God’s given us an open invitation to come into His presence in anytime and especially in times of need—need of anything, including a hug from God! Psalm 95:2 ESV encourages us to “come into His presence with thanksgiving”—because He is a good God. Ephesians 3:12 NLT declares “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

The more you receive God’s unlimited grace, the more you find there is more you haven’t accessed yet. He will come in and dine with you any time, any day, for as long as you need. His grace is limitless. It’s everything you will ever need here on this earth. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;” Lamentations 3:22 ESV. And Old Testament verse with New Covenant meaning. The benefits of the New Covenant of God’s Grace through Jesus are in place. No longer do you need to follow certain rules in order to receive a blessing from God. You are blessed through Jesus. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. You are the healed of the Lord.

It’s time to expand your spiritual horizons. It’s time to learn about all that Jesus has done for you. It’s time to continually dine with Jesus as 2 Peter 3:18 ESV says – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The invitation is open. I hope you’ll dine often with Jesus.

Revelations 3:20 ESV – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Make It Personal: Jesus stands at my door, knocking and waiting for me to open it and let Him come in. I do open my heart and I will dine on His goodness, love, grace, joy, and peace each time.

Psalm 34:8 NIV – “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Make It Personal: I will taste and continue to find and see that the Lord is good.

Psalm 95:2 ESV – “come into His presence with thanksgiving.”

Make It Personal: I will enter God’s presence first with thanksgiving for all He has done for me, and always be thankful.

Ephesians 3:12 NLT – “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.”

Make It Personal: Because of my faith in Jesus Christ, I can come confidently and boldly into God’s presence as one of His favorite kids.

Lamentations 3:22, ESV – “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;”

Make It Personal: Jesus’ steadfast, faithful love never ceases for me and His mercies, grace, and love will never stop.

2 Peter 3:18 ESV – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Make It Personal: I will continue growing in God’s grace and knowledge of Jesus operating in my life and all that entails.

ASK YOURSELF

How are you following what Revelation 3:20 encourages you to do?

Can you recall some of your BEHOLD moments when the Lord spoke to you?

What new discoveries of God’s grace and love have you found?

How is God’s grace expanding in your life?