I. INTRODUCTION.
In the parable of Luke 12:36-38 Jesus laid the emphasis upon observing His knocking at the door of our hearts. We are now living in the Laodicean period. Acquainted with the need to watch for His return, we should stress opening our hearts to Him immediately. This experience is more than acceptance of Bible truth; it means accepting Christ.
II. BIBLE EXAMPLES TEACHING SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE.
1. Christ is waiting patiently on the Laodicean church. Rev. 3:20, 21.
a. He is now at the door.
b. He calls to each individual.
c. He still waits for us to open the door.
d. He desires to sup with us, to abide with us.
2. Abraham's response to the heavenly Guest. Gen. 18:1-5.Abraham did not wait until his guests came to his tent door and knocked for entrance; he was watching for visitors and ran to meet them. They shared a friendly meal. The guest of honor was Christ.
3. Martha and Mary conscious of Jesus' help. John 11:11-29.
a. An established friendship with Jesus.
b. Martha went out to meet Jesus. Mary followed her.
4. The prefigured Laodicean church. Song of Solomon 5:1-6.
a. The Beloved knocked at the door.
b. His spouse made excuses.
c. The Beloved tried to open the door. Doors in various lands have a small window or shutter so the occupant can see who is knocking. The person who is knocking must then be admitted into the home. In this case the spouse failed to acknowledge her Beloved's knocking. She waited until He had passed by. Verses 5, 6.
III. EXCUSES FOR DELAYING RESPONSE TO CHRIST. 1. Ten virgins. Matt. 25:1-13.
a. All the virgins had lamps to meet the Bridegroom. Ps. 119:105.
b. Five lacked sufficient oil. (Holy Spirit.)
c. They slumbered during the Bride groom's unexpected delay.
d. They presumed on others; reasoned that oil might be bought at any time. Amos 8:11, 12.
e. Their effort to buy oil was too late. Luke 13:24-29.2. Mary and Martha. Luke 10:38-42.
a. Material need eclipsed Martha's spiritual need.
b. Tension produced anxiety and fretfulness.
3. The prefigured church of Laodicea. Song of Solomon 5:1-6.
a. Spouse did not lack appreciation for her lover. Verse 4.
b. She responded to gifts of myrrh and spices. Verses 1, 5.
c. She called to her Beloved, but too late. Verse 6.
d. Delay in opening the door deprived her of the blessing. Verse 6.
e. Espoused church now lacks a sense of immediacy—not quite ready to open to the Beloved! Verse 3.
IV. THE APPEAL: "'Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Rev. 3:20. "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." Heb. 3:7, 8.
