Saturday, April 11, 2009

"BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK..."

Have you ever seen the painting of Jesus by Warner Sallman? It is a lovely depiction of Christ knocking on the front of a closed door. When I was a little girl growing up in Southern California this very picture hung in my Sunday School room. I can remember staring at it over the course of several years and when I was old enough to read the caption I recall it saying this:

CHRIST AT YOUR HEART'S DOOR

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any many hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." (Rev. 3:20 KJV)

I loved that painting! It spoke to me and even though I was just a small child I longed to know the man shown standing at the door. He represented peace to me and a calmness I could only hope to understand. It would be many years before someone shared with me how the artist had intentionally left the handle to the door out of the painting; thus making it impossible for Jesus to enter the dwelling without it being opened from the inside.

It took a long time, several years in fact, before I turned the knob, pushed open the door of my own heart, and asked the Savior to come in. Today, on the eve of celebrating my Risen Lord, I'm so grateful He made the decision to go to hell for me rather than go to heaven without me...

Blessings to you as you share His Light...Rebecca

14 comments:

Terry said...

Blessings of peace
I love this print, many years ago when our son was quite young he ask for this print ,
we bought a small framed copy and gave it to him for Easter.Now our son is a grown man but he still has this very special print. Thank you for reminding me of a precious Easter moment .
May your cup overflow with His love and grace .

Just Me said...

Beautiful post! HE IS RISEN!

Unknown said...

Oh what a beautiful post Rebecca. That painting is so beautiful! And I love your writing so much :) Have a beautiful Easter.
Love and Hugs,
Amy

Eclectic Chic Style said...

Lovely painting and post Rebecca. I hope everyone opens that door for our Saviour, and am so blessed that my children know the true Easter story and are willing to share their Lord and Saviour with everyone, everywhere they go. Your posts are always uplifting and beautiful!!!! Easter Blessings to you my friend, Teresa

Anonymous said...

HI REBECCA,
OH HOW I LOVE THAT PRINT. I OWN A VINTAGE FRAMED COPY OF IT MYSELF. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME. HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL EASTER. HUGS- HEATHER

Anonymous said...

To you & your family I wish nothing but goodness & Easter Blessings!

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

I NEVER KNEW THAT! About the door knob!

English Cottage in Georgia said...

I looked at that picture for hours in Sunday School rooms and classrooms (parochial school) as a child. I too was in awe of the calmness of Jesus. I never heard or had pointed out the doorknob missing.
Wonderful post, Rebecca.

chicroses said...

Being raised in little church in farming community..that picture always was there. But never heard about there being no knob. Now Im going to look for one of those prints. Blessing's to you. Sally

A Southern Rose said...

My grandma use to have this picture hanging in her bedroom. I always loved it. I never knew about the doorknob. She had a picture of the Lord's Supper in the living room. I hope that you and your family had a very good Easter.

Andrea said...

Rebecca, this picture is very inspirational. I have admired it many times but knew nothing about it. Thank you for sharing.

When I was eight years old, I attended a kid's camp. The lady who spoke had a visual of Jesus and a large heart. She told us how He wanted to come into our hearts and live. I went to the altar and asked Jesus into my heart. That was the day I fell in love with Him.

I hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Andrea

fannipauline said...

Rebecca, that picture was also in my Sunday School room. I loved it then and still do. I love that He opened the door for me many years ago, What a special blessing it is to have Christ living in my heart. I could not survive a day without Him, I love Him with all of my heart and soul and everything in between. Hugs...Pauline

THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT said...

This is a very special post Rebecca. Thank you for sharing.

Blessings,
Brook

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post Becky--

I too, love this painting by Sallman, in fact, I love all of his paintings of Jesus. They "speak" to me as well. (Sometimes a "picture" is worth a thousand words.) Thank you for sharing the background of the painting.

Love you forever-- Mom

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