So much of the Bible leaves stories and invitations open-ended. The response of the people (or characters) involved is left silent and we are left to wonder.
Most prominent is the invitation Jesus offers to all of us.
“I stand at the door and knock.” Will we open? He is promising to come in and fellowship with us. He is offering relationship.
In the parable of the Prodigal, the equally lost older son simmered outside the celebration. The Father pleads with him to come inside and join the festivities. Did he go in? The parable stops there. The father is seeking reconciliation and unity, not only with his son, but also between his sons. If the embittered son dropped his resentment and honored his father, fellowship awaited him.
Jesus beckons us to Himself in many ways. “Come” – and I will give you rest. “Follow me” – and I will make you fishers of men. That’s kingdom calling. All while we draw towards Him. Will we take Him up on His offer?
There are letters to seven actual churches in the book of Revelation. Each one contains an invitation framed as a promise or a warning. He calls them to obedience, to faithfulness, or to endurance and in each case the prize is … God. Intimacy with God awaits the overcomer – a secret name, entrance to paradise, a crown of life, authority, a place with Him. The text doesn’t tell us if they heeded His instruction (although we can make some guesses from history.)
I see a pattern in these examples. It’s always a choice. And God is always our reward. This isn’t works/salvation – but rather choosing God. Do I really believe that more of Him is worth pursuing?
God has given each of us invitations – and He loves us enough to let us write our own endings. How will the chapter you are now in close? What will you choose?
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. Revelation 3:20
