The Door God Opens

In Revelation 3:7-8, Jesus speaks of an open door. Paul also refers to another door that is opened to him (I Cor. 16:9). In both passages, the door represents a particular ministerial opportunity.

Addressing the church in Philadelphia, (Rev. 3:7-8) Jesus Himself is the One who turns the doorknob to make the way accessible. Twice in these two verses He makes this clear. Because He is the power behind the opportunity, “no human can shut it” (Rev. 3:7). If and when He “shuts a door, no person can open it”. The Lord informs this church they have this chance to enter for four reasons:

~ they have been observed by Him as a church that performs good works
~ they have retained a limited amount of spiritual strength
~ they have kept His Word
~ they have not denied His Name

The “great door” of opportunity Paul mentions is to take place in Ephesus (I Cor. 16:9). We know from his epistle to this city his ministerial endeavors there do produce some fruit. The Apostle is quick to add that in this Roman town “are many adversaries”.  God opens doors and we must walk through them. What we find on the other side often calls for the power of the Holy Spirit to help us persevere.

Speaking to the church at Laodiceans Revelation 3:20, Jesus speaks of another door – the door of salvation. He pictures Himself as standing and actively knocking – ready to receive all who respond. To this He adds the promise, “If anyone hears my voice and takes the initiative to open the door, I will come into this persons life and fellowship”. The disciples tell the church in Antioch how the Lord has opened the door of faith to the Gentile world (Acts 14:27).

In John 10:7, Jesus refers to Himself as “the door through which all who enter finds satisfaction”.

We must first answer His knock and respond to His offer of salvation. Throughout our Christian life, He will set in front of us numerous doors of opportunity. When we are assured it is a door He has designed, we need never force the lock.

Maxim of the Moment

Love is blind, but marriage is an eye-opener.