Of All Things, A Door!

     If I were to ask you to list some of the most basic and important features of your home what would you put down.  The walls - because they keep the elements out; or the roof - because it protects us from the rain and the sun; or how about the windows - because they allow the sunlight to come in and they let us see out.  But what would be another one?

     What about the door?  The door is important because it assures us privacy in our lives.  It allows us protection and security, and it keeps the undesirables out, and gives us the right to grant entrance into our lives.

     Jesus knew how important the door was.  It was one of my favorite images that He used in teaching the disciples: "...he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep."  

     "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 heed them.  I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." 
      Jesus is truly the door of our lives.  He is the door of our Spirit and our faith, and He is the entrance to peace and justice.  
    

Mid-Week Prayer

 Here is a beautiful prayer that is over the door of a chapel in Shrewsbury England:

 

     "Oh God, make the Door of this House wide enough to receive all those who need human love and a Heavenly Father's care; and narrow enough to shut our all envy, pride and hatred; and smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children and straying feet, but rugged enough to turn back the tempter's power. 
      Make it, our Father, the gateway of thine eternal and everlasting Kingdom for the sake of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

 

     This has been Rev. Jim Massey.  When you look at a door today, remember it is also the portal of Jesus Christ and you are one of His Shepherds.  The book of Revelation says: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

 

     In the next Epistle maybe we will find a cure for loneliness.