Summer weather here in Iowa is  what is known as "growing weather" - hot and humid. According to farmers, the corn thrives on the heat and moisture. Now, I’m pleased for them, because good harvests mean a blessing for all our lives here in the Midwest. However, I personally do not care for it being so hot.

I am very grateful for our air conditioning system.  But I much prefer those days when I can throw the doors and windows wide open. I enjoy the fresh air. When I do have the air on I miss the sunlight streaming through the front door of our home.

Think about that. All that stands between me and the sunlight is a shut door. Put that into the spiritual realm. All that stands between the "Son Light" and us is a shut door.

In the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London hangs a famous painting entitled The Light of the World by the artist Holman Hunt.. It depicts Christ standing outside a fast-closed door – a door overgrown with vines. He is patiently seeking admission. When the painting was first hung critics were invited to come and view it. One of them said to Mr. Hunt, "You have painted a magnificent picture. But you have made a terrible mistake. You have painted no handle on that door." The artist replied, "That is no mistake my friend. The handle is on the inside."

Revelation 3:20 tells us "Behold, I (Christ) 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."  In both the Scripture and the painting Christ is on the outside of the door. The door is symbolic of our very lives, our hearts. The handle is on our side of the door. In other words, it is our responsibility to open it.

If you had a very special guest come to your home (let’s say the President of the United States to illustrate the importance of an office) when he came to door and knocked, would you yell out, "Come on in!" Or worse yet, ignore him? Or would you go to the door and open it for his admission. Because of his authority you would make it your responsibility to open the door and invite him in.

Some standing on the other side of the door have never opened the door to Jesus. You may have heard Him knocking, but fear has stopped you from turning the handle to let Him in. See, the reason I leave my front door shut is to keep out the oppressive heat that the sun gives off this time of year. Fear has lied to you and told you that if you allow Jesus into your life it will be too oppressive, that too much will be required of you.

Look again at that Bible verse. "I will dine with him, and he with Me." The King James Version reads "sup with him". In the original Greek one of the meanings of the word "sup" means "easy, light, NOT burdensome". Jesus knows your fear. He is telling you that His Light is not oppressive. It will bring you fresh air – Life!

There may be some reading this that have at one time opened the door, but allowed the cares and worries of the world to blow it back shut. Your "door" has become overgrown with vines as the artist depicted in his painting. Jesus is still patiently waiting on the other side. Again, in the Greek, the word "door" has the connotation of renewal for holiness. He is still there, knocking. Turn the handle (repent) and invite Him back in. Don’t allow a shut door to stand between you and the SON LIGHT!!