Day 162, Year 1

Can You Hear Jesus Knocking?

Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20a NASB)

“It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3 NKJV)

When someone knocks on a door, the people inside cannot hear the knocking sometimes due to some other noisy sounds. If the room is filled with noise, it can be difficult for those inside to hear even a loud knocking. Similarly, the internal clamour of self-talks, replaying deceptive sentences, or, as today’s second verse mentions, the noise of striving, are often the main reasons why many people can hardly hear Jesus knocking. So, we need to first reduce the impact of our inner noises; only then can we have a chance to attentively listen to His knocking voice clearly.

Some people have quarrelsome voices inside, which often extend outwardly. The word “quarrel” in the second verse of today is gala’ in Hebrew, meaning “to break out (in contention), or to disclose oneself.” Those who often want to assert their own opinions find it impossible to hear Jesus’ voice unceasingly. Hence, we need to humble ourselves instead of glorifying ourselves so as to heed the Lord’s voice and will. The first half of the verse tells us to “stop striving.” In my opinion, it is a general exhortation not to meddle in others’ affairs, rather than a call for blind avoidance of disputes or debates.

Besides, there might be situations where people hear the Lord Jesus’ voice but feel as though they do not. This could happen for various reasons. In the Book of Revelation of the New Testament, there were other churches with poor faith, but Jesus only knocked on the door of the Laodicean church. In my understanding, His knocking sometimes sounds louder and at other times softer in the ears of different people within the church. For instance, those who are closer to the door might find it easier to hear the Lord’s knock—they might be some quiet Christians who live on the edge.

Anyway, we need to still our hearts and thus have a peaceful heart to hear the sounds of Jesus knocking on the door outside. Sometimes, believers need to develop spiritual antennae that extend beyond self-concern so as to listen to His voice. The mind and heart with tranquility allow us to sense Jesus even from afar and get in touch with His whispers beyond any barriers. We might also need to realize our inner hunger or emptiness, thus recognize our greatest need for Jesus, so as to hear His voice more substantially.

Reflection questions:

1) Is your inner world often filled with your own voices or those of others? If so, do you like this situation? Why?

2) How would you quiet your heart and mind so that you can hear Jesus’ voice more often?