A healthy and thriving household is a well-prepared household—not only in daily routines but also in spiritual readiness. Just as clear communication, shared responsibilities, and emergency preparedness help a household flourish, being spiritually prepared allows us to fully experience the life Jesus offers. At our church, we believe this preparation begins by becoming a “Household WELL”—a home that Welcomes in Jesus, Engages with Neighbors, Listens for Insight, and Loves to Try. These simple yet profound actions prepare our hearts to embrace the presence of Jesus more fully. They are not tasks to earn His favor but intentional steps to open ourselves to His transforming grace.
Our vision is to see the expansion of Household WELLs until no one is thirsty. Throughout 2025, our sermons and worship themes will focus on the WELL acronym:
Welcomes in Jesus: Creating space for Jesus in our homes and hearts.
Engages with Neighbors: Building authentic relationships in our community.
Listens for Insight: Seeking God’s guidance and understanding the needs around us.
Loves to Try: Stepping out in faith, willing to take risks for God’s purposes.
As the chorus proclaimed in our opening song this past Sunday:
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord
We will sing of Your love forevermore
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord\
Serve the Lord
Ending
Open up every door
Write it on every wall
Sing it in every room
As For Me (Chris Tomlin | Jason Ingram | Pat Barrett © 2021 Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) CCLI Song # 7168696 CCLI License # 1681415
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus offers a profound and personal invitation: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” This verse is not aimed at unbelievers but at those who already claim to follow Jesus. Yet, He stands outside, knocking on the very door of His own Church. Why? Because, like the Laodiceans, believers can become self-sufficient, complacent, and distracted, leaving Jesus on the outside looking in. Jesus shares this word with the Laodiceans and with us, urging us to reflect on our relationship with Him. What better time to reflect than the start of a new year?
On Sunday, we unpacked this gracious invitation in Revelation 3:20 and saw it lived out in real time through Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus in Luke 19 during our 2.22 Bible Study.
Let’s revisit how Jesus’ invitation can prepare us for an abundant life. We…
1. Recognize the Knock.
Jesus’ knock is an intentional pursuit of relationship, not religious obligation. In the wealth and comfort of Laodicea, the church had become lukewarm—neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15-16). Their material success led them to believe they lacked nothing, yet Jesus exposed their true condition: “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
Similarly, Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 was materially wealthy but spiritually impoverished. As a tax collector, he was despised for his greed and betrayal. Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus sensed the emptiness wealth couldn’t fill. Jesus sought him out, calling him by name and inviting Himself into Zacchaeus’s home—an invitation to relationship.
Reflection: What comforts, distractions, or personal achievements might be dulling your ability to hear Jesus’ gentle knock?
2. Respond to the Invitation.
Jesus does not force His way in. He patiently waits for us to open the door. This requires vulnerability—setting aside pride, fear, and self-reliance. The Laodiceans prided themselves on their independence, famously rejecting Roman aid after an earthquake with the claim, “By our own might.” This inscription still appears on archaeological remains today. Yet Jesus lovingly rebukes them, offering refined gold, white garments, and healing ointment (Revelation 3:18-19). His correction is matched with grace, urging them to turn from indifference.
Likewise, Zacchaeus responded with openness. He welcomed Jesus joyfully and immediately resolved to make restitution, saying, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much” (Luke 19:8). His vulnerability led to transformation.
Reflection: Are there parts of your life where you’ve said, “By my own might”? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Jesus?
3. Rest in His Presence.
Jesus promises, “I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends” (Revelation 3:20). Sharing a meal symbolized deep friendship and acceptance. Jesus desires this closeness with us—not as distant followers but as beloved friends. This ongoing relationship brings peace, purpose, and transformation.
Zacchaeus experienced this firsthand. Jesus’ presence in his home led to his spiritual renewal and public restoration. Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). When we make space for Jesus, He transforms us from the inside out, offering true riches that wealth cannot provide.
Reflection: How can you create room in your daily life to sit with Jesus and allow Him to deepen your friendship?
Jesus’ knock on the door is both a rebuke and an invitation. It’s a call to recognize our need for Him, to respond with vulnerability, and to rest in His presence. Like Zacchaeus, we are never too far gone to be sought, loved, and transformed. Jesus patiently waits. Will you open the door?
In that spirit, I invite you to join us at 2.22 this year. It’s a welcoming space to dig deeper into God’s Word and grow in community. We meet every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For those already attending, why not
invite someone to join you? Together, let’s prepare our households and our hearts for Jesus.
