Tip of My Iceberg

While at work, I heard this incessant tapping. I was trying to finish a writing project, so I didn’t want to check to see who was trying to get in the door.

The tapping didn’t stop. With obvious annoyance, I got up to let the person in who insisted on knocking, only to discover it was a Sand Hill crane.

We see these large birds everywhere here in central Florida. This is the hatching season, so we’ll often see little fluffy reddish-brown colts, named for their long, strong legs and their ability to walk just a day after hatching.

There were no baby cranes here. Just this one adult, fixated on his reflection in the window. Looking a bit self-absorbed and arrogant, he kept stalking back and forth, pecking at his reflection. He was either admiring himself or warding off a perceived rival. These are bold, fearless birds who aren’t afraid of people. Even the youngsters, once they hatch, can engage in intense, violent fights for dominance.

Kids.

Their persistence reminds me a little of those folks who sell solar panels. I’ve tried to be polite, listening to what they had to say. But we have no desire to buy solar panels, so after a bit, it felt something like the posturing and pecking of the Sand Hill Cranes.

There is nothing wrong with these salespeople. I just don’t want to buy solar panels.

Have you ever had a knock at your door and felt uncertain whether to answer it? You’re not expecting anyone, it’s late, you’re tired, and you don’t really want to talk?

America doesn’t have the hospitality value of many countries. Many Middle Eastern countries esteem the chance to invite people into their homes, seeing it as a cultural duty. Even if it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or there aren’t enough resources to do it well. They are gracious in their welcoming.

Such warm greetings were part of the Jewish culture when Jesus walked the earth. He didn’t hesitate to welcome or be welcomed into homes. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in the Jericho area, who was not well-liked by his countrymen because he worked for the Roman government. When Jesus was walking through town, He spotted Zacchaeus up in a tree, where he’d climbed so he could see Jesus over the heads of the crowd. “When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and CALLED HIM BY NAME. ‘Zacchaeus!’ He said. ‘Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.’” Luke 19:6-7. This tax collector was so thrilled to have time with Jesus that he hurried down and invited Jesus to his home.

Jesus’ demeanor was one of grace and kindness. He never forces Himself on anyone, but invites people to sit with Him to better understand what He has to offer. “Look! I have stood at the door and am knocking. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Revelation 3:20.

The door is the door to anyone’s heart. Jesus’ posture is one of patient and loving waiting. Our free will is clearly stated. We can open the door and consider what Jesus has to offer us.

Or we can leave it closed.

Jesus seeks us with His gift of love. We can choose to receive it or not.

Unlike the annoying Sand Hill crane, Jesus is neither self-absorbed nor arrogant. He offers a gift of forgiveness to anyone who will choose to receive His gift.

He knocks. Will you open the door?