Tag: open the door
Open door? or Closed door?
Scripture reading for December 5th: Esther 7-10, Revelation 3
Revelation 3:8-12 “”Behold I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie–behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept My Word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the Name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, . . .””
Jesus explained to the church at Philadelphia that He had set before them an open door, which no one would be able to shut. Although these believers had little strength, they had been faithful to Jesus’ Word and had not denied His Name. Their patient endurance had brought rewards of deliverance from the hour of trial. In Jesus’ next message to the church at Laodicea, however, Jesus told them that He was knocking on their door, closed to His entrance! He implored them to open the door so He could come in and fellowship with them. Which kind of door is Jesus finding or providing in your life?
Revelation 3:20-21 “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 one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne.”“
Prayer: Father God, thank You that you always seek the welfare of Your people and speak peace and blessings for encouragement. You also warn those on a dangerous path. I have chosen to open the door of my heart to You and desire daily fellowship at Your table. Help me today to hear Your voice and remain faithful even though I often feel I have little strength. I will walk in faith through Your open door.
Esther 10:3 “For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.”
Will only a few be saved?
Scripture reading for March 20th: Luke 13
Jesus was asked some direct questions and gave some revealing answers! On His way to Jerusalem for His last Passover, a man came and asked Him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” “He said to them, “Make every effort to enter the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But He will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.'” (Luke 13:23-25)
Jesus didn’t answer the question about a few being saved, but He did emphasize that many who wanted to enter would not be able to. It was important to enter through the narrow door. Jesus had proclaimed that He alone was the door or gate that men could enter. (John 10:7) He alone was the way, truth, and life. (John 14:6) He emphasized that many would knock on the door after it was closed and the door would not be opened to them because the Master did not know them.
“Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from Me you evildoers!’ There will be weeping there and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.” (Luke 13:26-28) Many religious people expected to enter the kingdom, but because they rejected Jesus Christ, they would be thrown out! Knowing about Jesus and even observing Him would not get them in! Only a few will be saved through the ‘Narrow Door’!
Jesus comes knocking!
Scripture reading for December 12th: Revelation 3:7-22
The last of the seven letters Jesus dictated to John on Patmos was to the church at Laodicea. Imagine being a part of this church, thinking that you knew and loved Jesus, and then hearing from your bishop that He was actually outside your door knocking to gain entrance!
“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:14b-16) Jesus called Himself three powerful names. As the ‘Amen’, He had said ‘yes’ to God’s Word and made it available to us through His sacrifice. He was the ultimate faithful ‘Witness’ of God’s goodness and mercy. He was also the ultimate and final ‘Ruler’ of God’s creation. From this unique position of authority, Jesus made a startling revelation to this church family: they were ‘lukewarm’ in their love for Him!
Jesus looks carefully at the heart of each of His beloved followers. He desires full and complete devotion! He was fully and completely devoted to the Father’s will on our behalf. 2nd Chronicles 16:9 states that God’s eyes search the earth looking for those who are fully sold out to Him in order that He might show Himself strong on their behalf!
These believers were deceived about their spiritual state. They were evidently blessed financially by the economy of Laodicea. They had good jobs and were prosperous and well-supplied. But Jesus warned them of their spiritual poverty and nakedness. They did not see the true condition of their hearts and in His love, Jesus called out to them. He always rebukes those He loves and disciplines the children He wants to receive. (Revelation 3:19) (Hebrews 12:5-11)
“So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:19b-20) Repentance is a change of mind which results in a change of action. Jesus knows our deeds and is looking for complete change. Examine your own life today in light of these verses! Hopefully, Jesus has already found an open door!