Wisdom's Corner
Jesus and the Doors

In New Testament times hospitality was very important to people.A person was supposed to go out of his way to make a visitor feel welcome. Even strangers were made to feel at home.

A peasant in the village would leave his door open at all times during the daylight hours. This was to let any traveler know that he could stop in and rest. The dweller of the home would do his best to make the traveler feel like a king. The door was shut at sunset and stayed shut all night.

In Revelation 3:8, Jesus tells those at Philadelphia, "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it...." While not the only picture that Jesus was giving to those at Philadelphia, it is likely that most would understand this picture that Jesus was giving. God has no night. It is always sunny in the presence of God. And God will make us feel like kings if we enter in through the door of His house.

Those who lived in the cities and had better homes did not keep their doors open at all times. The stranger or traveler was expected to knock on the door.

Jesus gives us this picture in Revelation 3:20. "Behold, I stand at the door and, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Jesus pictures himself coming to the door of our heart. He is knocking and asking to enter. He will not break down the door. We must open the door for him. And we should do so willingly and happily. When we hear or study his word and then obey it, we are opening our heart to Jesus.

So Jesus keeps His door open to us at all times. We should be willing to open our door to Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you. Until next time, keep reading your Bible and get the wisdom of God.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 2001

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)