For a while now we've been hearing
prophetically about keys being handed down from heaven and also that we are in a new season of church life. In our haste to get in-the-flow or get going with the latest church program we may very well throw the baby out with the bathwater!
At our fellowship we're learning the importance of worship and
forgiveness as keys to growing into the fullness of all Christ has set
before us but I've also had an evolving epiphany about
DOORS & GATES. It may be blindingly obvious that the keys are meant to open and unlock doors
(gates).
Dipping into some study on biblical doors & gates has illuminated the importance of doors in the bible. There is a banquet of solid biblical teaching relating to
the gates including the Fountain, Water, Horse, East and Inspection Gates.
Nehemiah gives an excellent view of the gates & doors
that need revisiting in the "rebuilding". For example:
- The Sheep gate: back to basic salvation through the “Lamb of God” teaching,
- The Fish gate: back to basic evangelism! Telling the story of Christ with the words of our experience. We have all been called to be "fishers of men"!
- The Old gate: remembering the "old ways of truth" and the ancient paths that have been trod. The times when God has Tabernacled with us and His hand has moved mightily and powerfully in our lives.
I sense that the biggest shift we are going to experience in
the coming days is a resurgence of outward looking teaching and activity based
on holiness, dying to self, overcoming difficulties through Christ who strengthens us and service to others (as opposed to the current
introspective practices we see).
This is the season of the “new” but I do believe it’s about
BUILDING the new - with materials & resources that have stood the test of time.
We don't have to re-invent, rename or re-brand basic practices such as prayer, intercession, meditating on God's word, telling people about Jesus, fasting or indeed resting in the knowledge of Christ.
I see a narrowing of the path ahead; a refining of calling
and commitment; holiness and joy mingled together in daily living being the oil
to heal fellowships, communities and nations.
Above all though Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, I
AM THE GATE for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and
robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I AM THE GATE; whoever enters
THROUGH ME will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
(John 10:7-10)