Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.1
God calls. Creation speaks out! For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world.2 And no one has an excuse. But only those with ears that hear would heed the call. Who are they? In the context of discipleship it would be prudent to know.
The Bible provides the hint. “Whoever is simple, let him turn here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”3 Interestingly, the simple, those who lack sense are those being invited. Why is this? Could it be that they are teachable? And that they may turn from their ways and walk in the way of insight.
In contrast, those who are rejected are the scoffers and the wicked.4 What is a scoffer? A scoffer is one who is prideful, arrogant, and haughty; he mocks or ridicules divine wisdom, moral teachings, and God’s authority. Scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.5
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.6 Food for thought: the wise weren’t born wise. They started as simple, even lacked sense. Thus, the reason we are called to make disciples—to teach God’s ways.7
There are tell-tale signs that we can intentionally watch out for. As a memory peg, remember the acronym FAITH:
1. Faithful. Meaning full of faith. By faith we mean not ignoring present realities yet having the full assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.8
2. Available. We can’t impart to anyone who can’t make themselves available.
3. Involved. We need not search long and hard; those who are ready are most likely involved, serving, doing good works.
4. Teachable. They are humble and able to receive correction.
5. Hungry. One of the signs of life is hunger. One who had been called would take the time to study God’s Word.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.9 To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.10 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.11
“Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”12 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.13
Notes:
1. Revelations 3:20
2. Romans 1:20
3. Proverbs 9:4-6
4. Proverbs 9:7-8
5. 2 Peter 3:3
6. Proverbs 9:8-9
7. Matthew 28:18-20
8. Hebrews 11:1
9. John 17:3
10. Revelations 2:7b
11. Revelations 3:21
12. Revelations 19:9a
13. Revelations 2:7a, 11, 29; 3:6, 13, 22
