In this chapter the bride is hesitant to open the door for her groom and when she finally does, she finds that she missed him.
“A sound! My beloved is knocking. I had put off my garment; how could I put it on? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them? My beloved put his hand to the latch, and my heart was thrilled within me. I arose to open to my beloved, and my hands dripped with myrrh… on the handles of the bolt. I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and gone.” (v2b, 3-6a abr)
When the groom knocks at the door, the bride is full of excuses why she shouldn’t get out of bed (she was already in a nightgown and had washed for bed). By the time she finally decides to get up and open the door she discovers her groom has gone, leaving a ‘love note’ (myrrh on the doorknob) to say he was there. This passage mirrors the famous quote from Jesus: “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.” (Rev 3:20)
Both of these passages imply that Jesus wants us to voluntarily welcome Him into our lives (before it’s too late). Could He force His way in? Yes, of course He could, since we are His precious bride, purchased with His blood, and we are rightfully His. Yet, He loves us so much, and respects our free will, so He will not force us to do anything against our wishes.
Why do we keep Jesus at a distance? Any number of reasons which may include laziness, pride, shame, unwillingness, resentment, etc. Does Jesus require that we get these types of issues sorted out on our end before we welcome Him in? No, He loved us while we were still sinners. These things don’t keep Him from approaching us, they only keep us from welcoming Him.
I encourage us to embrace Jesus with open arms, welcoming Him into our lives each and every day. The ‘excuses’ that deter us from being in relationship with Him do not deter Him in the slightest, and He will gladly help us work through those things.
Father God, our Generous and Steadfast Lord, You have given us the greatest blessings we could ever imagine: Jesus and Your indwelling Spirit. May we embrace the restored relationship You offer through Jesus’ blood, and invite You into our hearts, so we may receive Your deep love. May we welcome Your refinement and support as we seek to love those around us. For Your honor, glory and praise, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training