The Open Door

Chuckle: My Mother-in Law is a master of the mixed metaphor. One day in Sunday school she outdid herself when she warned her students' parents that if they didn't teach their children properly, "their roosters would come home to croak." --Tod Smith

Quote: "In His love He clothes us, enfolds and embraces us; that tender love completely surrounds us, never to leave us." --Julian of Norwich

THE OPEN DOOR

Jesus to the church at Philadelphia: "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me" (Revelation 3:8 NLT).

Think with me for a moment about this amazing truth. As a devoted follower of Christ, God has provided a door for you into His very presence, in the name of Jesus, which no power can ever close. No one can exclude you from God's kingdom; you can never be shut out. An open door into our homes and the presence of our families who love us gives us a sense of peace, comfort, and acceptance. A door into God's presence is far and away more significant and reassuring because it has eternal implications.

I remember, some years ago, that a motel chain made famous the comforting phrase, "We'll leave the light on for you." The voice of Tom Bodett had a slow folksy down home quality that assured weary travelers that the door to a clean and comfortable room would always be open for them any time of day or night. Incidentally, on its 50th anniversary, the motel chain began using the phrase: "50 years - the light is still on."

In this life, God fully understands that we are weak and weary travelers, but He encourages us by assuring us of the availability of His strength and protection when we obey His Word and are faithful in proclaiming His name. God opens the door into His presence and future kingdom, and after the door is opened, it will never be closed. No one can ever close it -- our salvation is certain.

The comforting words of Jesus, in our passage, assure us that our places in God's kingdom and presence has been eternally reserved and sealed. Jesus is now preparing a place for us in His eternal heaven -- a place of complete joy and peace. This is all because of God's never ending love for us. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present or the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).

Love, Jerry & Dotse