Christ at the door

Holment Hunt, a famous English painter, in the late 1800’s painted a masterpiece entitled, “Christ at the door.” It is said that when Mr. Hunt had finished his painting, he displayed it for the critics. As it was unveiled, one of the critics replied with laughter, “You forgot to put a latch on the door.” The great artist replied, “There is no latch on the door; the latch is on the inside.”

The inspiration for the painting was Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” When we examine a reproduction of Hunt’s, “Christ at the door,” we will see no latch on the door. Truly, the latch is on the inside. If Jesus comes into our lives, it will not be because He forced His way in, but because we opened the door by submission to Him.

Everyone has the power of choice. Joshua 24:15 says, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” God will not choose for you, but neither are you predestined for obedience. You make up your own mind, but you had better choose wisely and follow the straight path which leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14).

Kyle Campbell