0510. AN OPEN DOOR FOR YOU

AN OPEN DOOR FOR YOU

"Behold, I have set before thee an open door" (Rev_3:8)

When out of work, honest, tradesmen have often to say, with heavy heart and weary feet, "I can’t get an opening." How sad a world it would be if there was no opening for weary, sin-burdened souls in the love of God, or the grace of Jesus Christ. The work of Christ was the work of an Opener. Sin had closed the door into every spiritual privilege, but He who has now the keys of death and of hades hath set before us-

I. The Open Door of Salvation. "I am the Door, by Me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved." This is a door of escape from the wrath of God, from the guilt and pollution of sin, from the fear of man, and the tyranny of self. It is for you, therefore you may have boldness to enter in by the blood of Jesus. Come now.

II. The Open Door of Instruction. The privilege of being "taught of God" is open for all. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask; the door into the Divine audience chamber is now open through the Name of Jesus. He can not only "open to you the Scriptures," but also anoint your eyes with such an eye-salve as shall make you see wonderful things in His Holy Word. He can also make you of quick understanding, wise in Christ.

III. The Open Door of Prayer. Others have won great victories by prayer. The same door by which they entered into fullness of blessing and triumph is open for you. "If ye ask anything in My Name." Moses, Elijah, David, Daniel, Paul, Luther, Knox, Muller, Quarrier, and hosts of other mighty ones, owed almost everything to this open door. Who can tell all the profit you shall have if you pray unto Him? (Job_21:15). Enter now.

IV. The Open Door of Fellowship. This is another glorious privilege that is open to all saints. "If ye draw nigh unto Me, I will draw nigh unto you" (Jam_4:8). The Lord needs no very urgent constraint to come and abide with us. The deepest yearning of His loving heart is that we should "abide" in Him. His difficulty with us is our closed door against Him. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock."

V. The Open Door of Power. Undoubtedly some have more spiritual power than others. How? Have they got into special favour with God through some hidden private door? Hath He not declared that "All power is given unto Me, go ye therefore" (Mat_28:18-19). Go ye therefore to Him and for Him. "He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength" (Isa_40:29). He hath set this open door before you. Wait upon Him, and ye shall change strength.

VI. The Open Door of Service. If you are a son, go work to-day in His vineyard; the door is open for you, and your work is waiting on you. What can I do? Do what you are told, "Go, and work." Christ does not compel us to serve or follow Him, but He commands and invites. Who then is willing to consecrate his service to the Lord, service of heart and voice, of mind and means? In every foreign mission field, wide doors, and effectual, are set open before us.

VII. The Open Door of Heaven. "I go to prepare a place for you." Those who are Christ’s have no fear of ever getting this door closed against them. He has opened it, and no man shutteth. Let us be faithful now, taking full advantage of the privileges offered us, that so an abundant entrance shall be ministered unto us on that day, when we come to enter through this gate into the city. Beware of acting the part of the foolish virgins who were outside when "the door was shut."

Autor: James Smith