A Gentle Invitation
The Bible speaks of a gentle, yet profound, invitation from God. In Revelation 3:20, we read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” This verse would become a turning point in the life of Marv Rosenthal, founder of Zion’s Hope.
A Misunderstanding
As a young boy, Marv was approached by a missionary who asked if he was “saved.” His response, “No ma’am, I’m not drowning,” was not meant to be sarcastic, but rather a genuine expression of his lack of understanding. Neither Marv nor his mother had prayed to invite Christ into their lives.
A Persistent Witness
Undeterred, the missionary continued to visit the Rosenthal’s candy shop each week, leaving behind pamphlets that Marv would carelessly discard. However, his mother would retrieve them, fascinated by the stories about God. One of those pamphlets contained the verse, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” And one fateful night, Mrs. Rosenthal heard that gentle knock, responding to God’s invitation.
A Life-Changing Moment
The next morning, Mrs. Rosenthal shared the news with her son, “I’ve been saved.” Through her witness and Bible teaching, Marv began to understand the true meaning of salvation. Eventually, he too accepted Christ as his Savior.
An Open Invitation
If you haven’t already, dear one, it’s time to open the door of your heart to God. His gentle invitation is still extended, waiting for your response. Will you hear His knock and respond, just like Mrs. Rosenthal did?
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