“I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

Paul quotes Isaiah to Romans.

It is very unlikely that Romans had access to the writings of God’s prophets.

It is possible that Paul’s words might have been received with understanding because God can and does choose the time and place to let His presence be known.

Paul quotes the prophets right after he writes “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Here is how a girl witnessed to me “Come and join us for some fun.” The way she looked at me was as if she was piercing my soul. No girl had ever looked at me like that before. I wanted more of whatever she was offering.

I followed her into a church where God made Himself known to me. 

God knew how to get my attention.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

The origin of covenant meals goes back into the distant past where two opposing factions come to terms, made a covenant with one another and shared a meal, to seal the deal.

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Answering the door and having the covenant meal does not mean Jesus has taken up residence with us.

Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

Planting has to occur before rooting can take place.

Ephesians 3:16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

The Spirit must be given before He can accomplish that task.

Before we go too far afield I want to ask, how do you know it is Jesus knocking at the door?