“The Light of the World” is the title of a famous picture painted by Holman Hunt in 1853. In this painting, we see Jesus, crowned with thorns, holding a lantern, standing at a closed-door overgrown with grass and vines. It hasn’t been opened in a long time. That door represents the human heart, and the image is inspired by Revelation 3:20, where Jesus says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with me.”
It is said that the artist, having completed the picture, showed it to some friends who praised its merit. One of them pointed out what he thought was a mistake. He said, “You forgot something! There’s no handle on the door.” To which Hunt replied immediately, “You forget—we must open to the light; the handle is on the inside.”
Lord Jesus is always knocking at the door of our hearts—knocking gently, persistently, waiting for us to respond. He doesn’t barge in. He doesn’t force His way through. No, He waits patiently, lantern in hand. We have to open the door. The handle is on the inside.
Friends, God has given each of us a choice. He’s never going to force His way in. He’s not going to break down the door. He’s waiting for you to invite Him in. He’s standing at the threshold, holding the light, offering peace, hope, and a relationship beyond anything this world can offer. But the choice to open that door—it’s yours.
And when we do, when we open that door, when we let Him in, everything changes. The darkness that’s been lingering in our hearts, the burdens we’ve been carrying, the fears and insecurities—they begin to fade away. Because when the Light of the World steps into your life, He brings His love, His grace, and His peace. He’s not just passing by; He wants to dine with you—He’s going to dwell with you through every season, walk with you through your struggles, and celebrate your victories.
But it all starts with a decision. The Light of the World is knocking. Are you going to open the door?
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