Some Old Posts V

Chapter 5: The Unveiled Worshipper

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.” Revelation 3:20

Jesus is inviting us into a greater intimacy with Him. The word for eat in the above passage in the Greek comes from the noun deipnon, or the main meal of the day. In this culture this was the evening meal, where people would sit down together at the end of a day’s work and spend quality time with one another. The reason for such a meal was fellowship, not just food. It wasn’t a hurried event but one where you would sit for a while and get to know the people with whom you ate. When Jesus was saying this, He was in terms saying, “Let Me deepen into you life. I want to come and eat with you, to be close to you, to better know you, and you to better know Me. Christ is not calling us just to be a waiter at the table, serving Him as He eats, Christ is calling us to sit down with Him and for us to eat together.” What a joy! As servants and slaves of Christ – He is not only providing for us, He is inviting us to sit at the table with Him! When I think of our relationship of intimacy with the Father I recall the last line of one of my favorite hymns growing up, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, “No more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home”.

Christ has invited us to dine with him, when we know we’re not worthy to gather up the crumbs under his table. Intimate as it may be, this will never be a meal between two equals. I believe this is the greatest mystery of the universe. Yes I’m curious how the Earth was formed, or how far the galaxies stretch, but even more fascinating to me is that Almighty God would invite me to intimacy with Himself, and the Son of God would willingly die on a cross to make that possible. Understanding that, we don’t deserve to be in the presence of God, but we are allowed to, brings about a deeper form of reverence. William Barclay said it this way, “The hand of Christ is strong enough to uphold the heavens, and gentle enough to wipe away our tears”. This paradox between fear and intimacy is something that only could be orchestrated by God.

“In an age of informality and irreverence, true unveiled worshippers recognize the “otherness” of God and treasure the call to intimacy with Him. Transfixed by His glory and transformed in His presence, we become ever more like Him. Unveiled worshippers are different when they come down the mountain. They are radiant, for all to see, and shining with the glory of God.” The invitation has been given, for us to dine with the father in intimately day in and day out; let us do our part in taking time to spend with the Father each day. Coming before His throne in fear and reverence.

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him” Psalm 25:14