The Light Of The World 

The most famous depiction of Christ at the door of the heart is a painting by Holman Hunt, entitled “The Light of the World.” In the painting, Jesus stands before the door with a lamp in His hand. The door has been closed for so long that it is overgrown with ivy. Nevertheless, Jesus continues to knock patiently. The story is told that when Hunt finished the painting, he had a friend look at it. The friend studied the picture and then said: “But the picture is not complete. You forgot to put a handle on the outside of the door.” Mr. Hunt said: “I painted it that way on purpose. You see, the door is the human heart, and the heart can only be opened from the inside.”

In Revelation 3: 20, Jesus said: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (See also Jn. 14: 23). Here we see Jesus’ earnest desire to be invited into our hearts and lives. But Jesus will not force his way into our lives. He will not break down the door of anyone’s heart. He waits patiently outside the door, trying to get our attention, waiting for us to respond, and pleading for admittance. He doesn’t impose His will on ours. The decision to invite Him in is ours! He offers to all salvation, and since He is the light of the world (Jn. 8: 12), light to guide us. The Savior “desires all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2: 4). He is “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3: 9).

To hear and open the door of our heart is to give heed to His Word and accept His entrance into our heart by humble obedience. My friend, I plead with you, don’t leave Christ on the outside of your heart looking in. He is pleading; He is offering; but it is all to no avail if you will not open the door of your heart, and invite Him in. Think on these things. 

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Dennis Abernathy