Open and Shut

 



Barn Scene at Maple Grove

 I never tire of looking at this barn.  It is old.  It is rustic.  It is falling apart.  But it is so inviting!  I can't avoid looking at the door--so white and stark against the aged wood and tarnished roof!  In years past, how many times has this door been slid open to move farm equipment or let animals in or out?  This door reminds me of so many messages from God's Word.

In ages past, God instructed Noah to build an ark, and He told him to put a door on its side.  When the rains came, God told Noah's family to enter the ark.  He also led the animals in, and then God shut the door, keeping them safe inside.

"The animals going in were male and female of every living thing, as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD shut him in"

(Genesis 7:16).

Jesus called Himself "The Door," meaning that He is the only way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life.  Those who enter through Him are kept safe in His care forever.

 "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out, and find pasture" (John 10:9).

We don't want to be caught on the outside when the door to the Kingdom is shut. We must pay attention to Jesus' Word and listen to His voice.  We need to follow Him where He leads and receive the free gifts He has to offer.  The door opens and closes--opens to let in those who believe, and then closes to those who refuse His invitation.  The door represents both joy and sorrow.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and
the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7).