Hodi?

Every once in a while, I get this urge to start a very unique hobby. Encouraged by my kids, I decided to dive into a new language using the Duolingo app. As I scrolled through the language list to make my choice, my old home (Africa) called my name. So I decided to study Swahili.

As you begin a new language, you are typically taught introductory words or phrases that you will probably use to interact with other people. You will learn to say things like, “Jina langu ni…” (“My name is…”), “Sijambo?” (“How are you?”), and “Habari za asubuhi?” (“How is your morning?”)

Here’s one that we don’t use in our country very much any more: “Hodi?” In English, we would say, “May I come in?”

Revelation 3:20 paints an interesting picture of Jesus. It says, “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 that person, and they with me.”

I confess that sometimes I treat Jesus like I would treat a window salesman, or a stranger at my door…I open up my doorbell app, see who it is, and promptly ignore Him. I wonder why we are so scared to let Jesus into our lives? What are we afraid that He will find if He comes in and sits down with us?

And yet He still knocks and asks, “May I come in?”

Jesus loves you and knocks at the door of your heart. But you can’t just say in your head, “I should let Him in!” You need to unlock the door, open it, and invite Him in. The messiness doesn’t matter. Skeletons in your closet? He’s seen them before. He will help you clean up your house. But first, a meal…together!

Listen very carefully…do you hear something?

<Knock, knock.>

“Hodi?”