AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE!

AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE!

Rev 3:7

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

          The church at Philadelphia was strategically positioned for outreach. Philadelphia was situated in a strategic place on the main route of the Imperial Post from Rome to the East, and thus was called "the gateway to the East." It was also called "little Athens" because of the many temples in the city. The church was certainly located in a place of tremendous opportunity. (Bible Exposition Commentary) A constant flow of traffic provided subjects who needed to hear the Gospel. It was a widely open door!

          But lest we think that geography and demographics alone determine our success or failure, we need to be reminded of the last half of verse seven. It is God who has the keys. It is God that closes and opens doors. Life is full of openings and closings. Sometimes, in spite of every other natural indicator, doors close. Ripe opportunities die on the vine. We stand staring at a door that, by every measurement, should not have closed but it did. Not only so, it seems that when God closes a door it is locked. We turn dejectedly to go and behold a new open door!

          Open doors are often ill considered until our current door closes. I have a friend who has just seen a door slam in his face. I’m sure he is dejected for it is human nature to feel this kind of loss. However it is not only a closed door – slammed shut and locked – it is also an open door. When God opens a door he props it open with his foot. No man can shut it. He beckons with his hand to enter and to trust.

          Many of you are standing and staring at doors slammed shut. Doors of relationships, like divorce, have slammed in your face and it is painful. Doors of employment have closed and you are now wondering how you can provide for your upkeep. It is fearful. Doors of health have closed and you enter into a new reality. You feel weak. Look! Opposite each closed door there is another one that is opened to you! He bids you to enter and to trust.

Dear Lord, if today I must trade the familiar for the unfamiliar, please help me to enter the door you have opened for me and to trust you with the outcome. AMEN