PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Doors: they close and lock to protect us.
They also open up to invite family and friends.
They aren’t complicated; they do what you expect them to do.
In one of His seven “I Am” statements, Jesus referred to Himself as the door.
In John 10:9 ESV, Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Just as a door offers protection, as well as hospitality — so does Jesus offer all of those things to us.
First, let’s talk about protection. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, the Apostle Paul wrote, “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
And in Isaiah 54:7a, God said, “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed…”
Since Jesus promised to always be with us (Matthew 28:20b), we know He is guarding us and offering protection.
Even from ourselves.
When we are tempted, God always provides a way out and will never allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Jesus is the door that offers security and protection from any source.
Now, let’s talk hospitality.
Jesus welcomes everyone.
While there are those we may consider lost causes or beyond redemption, any and every truly repentant heart is welcome.
It doesn’t matter who did what.
If someone seeks God, He is willing to be found (Jeremiah 29:12-14).
The Prophet Joel wrote in Joel 2:32 that anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
The truth is so important, it was reiterated by Peter during Pentecost in Acts 2:21.
And Paul emphasized it in Romans 10:13.
A few chapters later, In Romans 15:7, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Jesus is the door who welcomes us if we ask to come in.
Today, let’s offer praise to Jesus for both His protection and hospitality.
Let us pray that we will always trust Him in every circumstance, knowing that even the scariest and saddest moments will work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28), even if we don’t know the reasons this side of heaven.
Let’s pray that we will extend welcoming hospitality to all who need Jesus, just as He extended it to us.
