Doors serve the purpose of keeping in and keeping out. As long as a door is open, entrance is possible. However, when a door is closed, what’s in is in and what’s out is out. There are doors of opportunity but also times when doors of opportunity close. Therefore, doors can be quite significant, especially when it comes to the difference between exclusion and inclusion.
Grieved by the great wickedness of humanity (Genesis 6:5-6) God brought a flood upon the earth. However, Noah found favor in God’s eyes (Genesis 6:8) and was instructed to build an ark. When it came time for the rains to come and the waters to rise, we read. . .
“(16) And those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16 ESV)
Being shut in protected Noah, his family, and all the creatures included with him on the ark. However, that closed door excluded the unrepentant world at the time of Noah. Opportunity remained during the building and preparing of the ark — the time of God’s patience (1 Peter 3:20) — but once the door was shut, opportunity was lost!
In one of Jesus’ parables regarding His coming again, He noted ten virgins of which five wisely prepared while five did not. In that parable there was also a door noted. Due to lack of preparedness, the five foolish had to go seek more oil and so we read. . .
“(10) And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. (11) Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ (12) But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ (13) Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:10-13 ESV)
Jesus noted something of great significance here! At the coming of the bridegroom, entrance was made, and the door was shut. Opportunity to enter had ended. It was a sad consequence of not being prepared.
While referencing His return, Jesus paralleled the days of Noah with whenever His coming again would be where we read. . .
“(36) But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. (37) For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (38) For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, (39) and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:36-39 ESV)
The emphasis of Scripture on the coming of the Lord is not as to the when, but as to the need for being watchfully prepared. Many are presently going about life with no thought as to what is coming! Jesus presently remains the door by which His sheep can enter. (John 10:7) Understanding from Jesus’ parable of a time coming when the door is shut, may we remain living prepared for entering into eternity with Him!
Have a great day LIVING PREPARED FOR THE PLACE PREPARED!
Carl
