Articles From Our Bulletins
Doors
Doors serve two primary purposes: 1) as points of ingress and egress to allow movement into or out of a space; and, 2) to prevent the same. God uses doors for both of these purposes…
In Genesis 6:5-7, when God decided to blot out mankind because of his extreme wickedness with a flood of water, He also purposed to save the righteous Noah, Genesis 6:8-9. But Noah’s salvation, and that of his family, was going to require his own effort- a lot of it in fact. God told Noah to build an ark to preserve himself, his family, and animals to repopulate the earth after the flood. He gave Noah specific instructions on the type of wood to be used, and the exact dimensions to build it, Genesis 6:14-15 (obviously this salvation was not by “faith only”!). But included with these was the directive to include both a window and a door, Genesis 6:16.
Noah, because he was a faithful man, immediately began preparing for the coming destruction by doing exactly what God had commanded- building the ark and gathering provisions for his family and the animals, Genesis 6:18-22. But this wasn’t all that Noah did. While building the ark, he apparently also tried to convince his fellowman to repent and join him to avoid the coming catastrophe, cf. 2Peter 2:5; 1Peter 3:20! When the ark was finished and the rain began, Noah, his family, and the animals entered the ark, Genesis 7:7-15. Notice carefully the words of Genesis 7:16, “And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the Lord closed it behind him.” The text does not say, but I can’t help but imagine, that at least some of those who had refused Noah’s pleading before the rain changed their minds after the floodwaters began to rise. I’m quite sure they then wanted to enter the ark- but God had closed the door. Even the righteous Noah could not open a door God had closed! The same door that allowed Noah, his family, and the animals to enter, now served as a barrier to exclude all others.
Another “door” comes to mind from the letter to the church at Philadelphia. Note Revelation 3:8, “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My Word, and have not denied My name.” In this case, the door is one of opportunity to spread the gospel. While God shut the ark’s door and no one could open it, this one is opened and no one can close it. The principle is the same: when God opens or closes a door, no one else can change it, Revelation 3:7. Because of past and present faithfulness, God had opened a door of opportunity for them to preach the gospel and bring others into the fold of safety.
Now let’s bring these two examples forward to us. In John 10:7 Jesus proclaimed, “I am the door of the sheep.” He, as this door, allows entrance to His sheep, but excludes the thieves, robbers, and wolves who attempt to steal, kill, and destroy, John 10:8-12. But does He exclude any others? Note that the door allowed entrance only to His sheep- those who come inside through Him! How is this accomplished? Obviously, opening the door is not all there is to it. The sheep must know, hear, and follow Him, John 10:3-4.
But now the BIG question: Will this door (of and through Jesus) ever close to those who seek to enter it? Perhaps like those I imagine leaving fingernail scratches on the outside of the ark’s door as the floodwaters rose? Note the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25:1-13. It is of ten potential guests to a wedding feast. Five are said to have been foolish, and five wise. The difference? The wise had made all the necessary preparations for the coming of the bridegroom and were allowed to enter with him. The foolish failed to adequately prepare, and missed their opportunity. Note carefully Matthew 25:10 regarding them, “And while they were going away to make the purchase (of more oil for their lamps), the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” When the foolish returned and begged for entrance, they were refused, Matthew 25:11-12. The point? Jesus left no doubt, “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour,” Matthew 25:13. The time to prepare is now. We are not promised any more time, or second or third chances. Please remember that when God closes the door, no one or no thing can open it.
The door of Jesus Christ into the (sheep)fold of God is now open. Everyone is invited to enter regardless of race or gender (cf. Galatians 3:26-29), provided they do so through Jesus Christ, John 10:9. Those who are willing to know (recognize; acknowledge), hear (hearken to; listen), and follow Him become His sheep, John 10:3-4. But that door, like the others mentioned previously, will be closed- either personally by death, or universally by the end of time, forever. Will you not enter now while it remains so graciously held open by the Good Shepherd? He loves you, and wants you to be with Him forever. Won’t you please enter now before your door of opportunity closes?
- Doors.pdf (86.34 kB)
