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  CHRIST AT THE DOOR
  by J.R. Miller
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Summary: Christ stands at the door, knocking and waiting for us to open
our hearts and invite Him into our lives.

Topics: "Invitation of Christ", "Opening Our Hearts"
Scripture References: Psalm 119:105, Isaiah 53:5, Matthew 7:7, Luke 19:10, John 8:12, John 10:9, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 3:20, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 3:20

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DESCRIPTION
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J.R. Miller reflects on Holman Hunt's painting 'Light of the World,'
which beautifully illustrates Christ's role as the Redeemer, adorned in
a priestly robe and a crown of thorns, symbolizing His sacrifice. The
painting depicts Jesus standing at the door, knocking with eager love,
representing His desire to enter our lives and hearts. Miller emphasizes
that the door can only be opened from within, highlighting the
importance of our willingness to accept Christ's invitation. Despite the
door remaining shut, Christ patiently continues to knock, embodying
divine love and grace. The sermon challenges us to consider whether we
have opened our hearts to Him.

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CONTENT
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Perhaps no other great picture ever painted is richer in its spiritual
teachings, than Holman Hunt's "Light of the World." It is a gospel in
itself. The Savior of men stands before us in imposing beauty, masterful
and kingly in his strength. He is clad in a priestly robe, indicating
His office as Redeemer. On His head is a crown, suggesting royalty--but
it is a crown of thorns, reminding us of His suffering and sacrifice.
His form is luminous--He is the Light of the world, not only in His
teaching--but also in His person, and His character. He carries in His
hand a lantern, symbol of His teachings, which have gone into all the
world, a lamp to men's feet, showing them how to live and giving joy and
comfort everywhere.

The attitude of the Savior is also in accordance with the representation

of the Scriptures. He is standing at the door of a cottage, interpreting
His own word in the Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."
His face shows eager love and yearning. He longs to be admitted. He does
not wait to be sought--but seeks to save and to bless, coming Himself
from heaven--to men's very doors to be their guest.

In this representation we have the whole meaning of the Incarnation,
with its love and condescension, its revealings of tenderness and
compassion, its sacrifice. He is knocking, and there is no indication
that His knocking is heeded within. The door is still shut--there is no
sign that it is being opened. Yet the heavenly Friend has not grown
impatient, does not turn away. He stands in a listening attitude, and
continues to knock. All divine love, grace, and yearning--are expressed
in His face as He stands there.

As we look closely at the picture, we find another teaching in it. There
is no knob or latch outside the door. It can be opened only from within.
We have this also in the words in Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the
door and knock--if any man hears My voice and opens the door--I will
come in to Him." Why does He not force the door--and enter with the
blessing He longs to bestow? That is not the way of love. It only knocks
and waits. We can shut it out if we will. We can shut out the mighty,
patient, loving Christ, if we will. Have we opened? Will we?

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jr-miller/christ-at-the-door/
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