Originally created in 1942, it’s still featured on prints and Bibles. (Years ago, I had a special Warner Sallman illustrated Bible, featuring his other paintings within it).
And, of course, the artwork is on decorative plates.
My mother’s own plate was a hazy bedtime memory for me. “Christ Knocking at the Door” hung on one of my walls.
I remember looking at it, as I had a conversation with my mother, about “accepting Jesus into my heart.”
But not just that. She also shared with me the fun facts about “the age of accountability.”
Was she letting me know that I better behave myself, be accountable, already?
Was this a tactic to get me to be a “good girl?”
Or was she sincerely and soberly “leading me to the Lord?”
I was at that significant age of accountability.
From that point on, I associated Warner Sallman’s depiction of Our Messiah, with the daunting prospect of spiritual personal responsibility. It hit me hard, being five. Pressure.
I doubt I understood the detailed mechanics of Salvation, the Work of The Cross, atonement, what Him “dying for our sins” really entailed.
“Just accept Jesus into your heart, Honey.”
“Jesus loves you.”
(And you are old enough to sin, so you need Him, or else).
I accepted and believed in “Jesus” as that innocent, trusting child.
I was still in a spiritually hostile, abusive warzone. There was no Christian atmosphere of church going and Bible reading.
It felt more like, “Here, accept Jesus into your heart. You did that? Good! Now we can move on. Stay out of trouble. Don’t be a problem.”
Not exactly the Gospel Message of one’s dreams.
But I’m veering off into childhood abuse territory…
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child...”
1 Corinthians 13:11
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
1 Corinthians 13:9-10…
Dr. Maya Angelou once stated...
“When you know better, you do better.”
Consider that, right where you are now.
Let’s pray.
Abba,
I come to You, in The Name of Your only begotten Son, Our Savior, יֵשׁוּעַ.
You know exactly what we are accountable for.
The big things. The little things.
ALL of the things. You know exactly how we are stewarding our lives.
Forgive us for our mishandling, our pride, our ego natures, and our willful sinful attitudes that have not done well with what shows up in our lives.
Including relationship with You.
We need Your help with our hearts.
We cannot do this without You.
Help us to do better with everything entrusted TO us.
Help us to be Holy in our accountability and responsibility for our lives.
Thank You.
Amen.
