When you’re on vacation and walk down a hotel hallway, what do you often see hanging from the doorknobs? Little signs that say, “DO NOT DISTURB!” Those three little words communicate a clear message. We don’t want to be bothered.
Unfortunately, that same phrase is often an accurate description of the attitude many people have toward Christ and the Gospel.
Not only on Sunday mornings but every day of the week, our loving Savior Jesus stands before human hearts with his gracious invitation and promise: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Yet sadly each day there are people frequently responding to Christ by pointing at the sign over their hearts: “Do Not Disturb.”
In our busy modern times people have become so preoccupied with a thousand other things that they intentionally or unintentionally can’t be “disturbed” with a Savior right now. Some may think they can do that “religious stuff” later in life, that time with Jesus is something older people do. Others may have good intentions but feel there’s just not enough time in the day for Bible reading or devotions with their family. Still others are so influenced by the world that they believe spiritual matters aren’t important, that people just live for today in the here and now.
But Jesus isn’t brushed off that easily. If anyone ever knew that, it was the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Nothing would have made him happier than to hang up the “Do Not Disturb” sign on his palace door. But Christ was there and Pilate was forced to deal with him. He asked the people, “What should I do with your King?”
The Christ of Christmas, the bloody Messiah of Good Friday, the risen, glorified Jesus of Easter is inescapable. No one can hope to remain “undisturbed” by the Son of God and Savior of the world. He calls from pulpits across our nation. He calls through Christian friends and family. He calls from radios, TVs, and podcasts. The Holy Spirit powerfully works through the Word, convicting hearts and creating faith.
In the face of your problems, guilt, sorrows and pain, Jesus lovingly calls, “Come unto me all you who are heavy burdened and I WILL give you rest.” He cares and wants you to know what true peace and joy are. To feel the relief of forgiveness that he earned for you on the cross. And to know that he is preparing a beautiful place in heaven for you to spend eternity with him.
The truly happy people in the world are those who have been “disturbed” by the Bible’s message of sin and judgment, who have been awakened from their spiritual sleep, who have been moved to repent of their sins, who have been blessed with faith in Christ, and who experience the limitless love of Jesus. Come to God’s House to learn more!
