Tag: Door
The Throne in Heaven
Scripture reading for December 4: Revelation 4
“After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first Voice, which I heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne. And He Who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,. . .” Revelation 4:1-5
John, Jesus’ disciple and apostle, got to see a door standing open in heaven and was invited by Jesus to come through the door. The purpose Jesus revealed to John was that he was to see the events that would unfold on earth and in heaven after this time. We are told in Scripture not to seek out those who use the occult to know the future because only God knows what is to come. Here Jesus by grace invited John to come up through the door to heaven. I believe that Jesus, Himself, is the Door (John 10:7) and Good Shepherd Who leads us. (John 10:3, 11) John responded by faith accepting Jesus’ invitation.
Upon entering the door, John beheld the throne of heaven and the One seated there. He was shown the tremendous glory and color and light that radiated from the throne, comparing it to precious jewels that sparkled with amazing color. He also noted the rainbow around the throne that was like an emerald. This rainbow speaks of God’s promise to never destroy the earth with water and God’s mercy to Noah and those on the ark. Around the throne were twenty-four other thrones with elders seated, clothed in white and crowned. This fulfilled Jesus’ promise to His disciples that He would be seated on a glorious throne and they would have twelve thrones to judge the tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28) From this throne came lightning and thunder, reminders of God’s judgment and holiness. There were also seven torches of fire, speaking of the Holy Spirit and cleansing judgment. This throne is the center of all authority and power.
As you read this description of heaven, how do you process your own readiness to respond to Jesus’ invitation to come up there? Have you entered a relationship with Jesus Christ as the Door and Shepherd?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for extending the invitation to come through heaven’s Door to all people. Help me today to focus on Jesus Christ and share this wonderful news of a Savior and Shepherd. Amen.
Entering the Abundant Life
Scripture reading for November 4th: Ezekiel 28-30; John 10
Key Scriptures: John 10:7-11 “So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
Jesus used the analogy of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate His ministry to His true followers. A “good shepherd” would lay his life down for his sheep. He would stretch himself out over the door of the sheepfold during the night hours, protecting them with his own body. Any sheep entering the fold had to pass under his rod of authority before entering. Any wolf would be beaten back. The good shepherd speaks to his sheep and they know his voice. He leads them to green pastures and by still waters. This analogy brings great understanding and comfort to God’s sheep!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my Good Shepherd and the Door to eternal life and peace. Speak to me daily and lead me through this wilderness of this world to my eternal home with You.
Ezekiel 28:25 “”Thus says the Lord God: When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and manifest My holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their own land that I gave to My servant Jacob.””
The Good Shepherd!
Scripture reading for April 18th: John 10, Psalm 78, Proverbs 16
Key Scriptures: John 10:7-11 “So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Jesus, still speaking to the Pharisees, who were struggling to believe that He was the Messiah, told them that He alone was the ‘Good Shepherd’ and also the ‘Door’ that God’s sheep may enter and find safe pasture and care. Jesus said that others had come before Him, but they were only thieves and robbers. The thief came only to steal, kill and destroy. The ‘Good Shepherd’ came to bring abundant life.
Faith Confession: Jesus, I believe that You are the Good Shepherd who laid Your life down for Your sheep. I am one of Your sheep. You are the Door that I go through to find provision and safety and eternal life abundant and free!
Psalm 78:70-73 “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the nursing ewes He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, Israel His inheritance. With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.”