Doors
I recently ran across a booklet we picked up while visiting The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. (a life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark. Quite an experience and worth the trip) The booklet points to different doors in the Bible and how they point to Jesus.
Door 1: The Door on the Ark. ONE door, that when entered, would lead to their rescue (salvation) from God’s punishment to a wicked world. Sound familiar?
Door 2: The Passover Door. Israelites sacrificed a perfect lamb and spread its blood on the door frames of their homes. The blood of that perfect lamb saved them from God’s punishment. Foreshadowing future events without a doubt!
Door 3: The Doors to the Inner Temple. Israelites created a place for God to dwell in their temple called the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest would enter once a year to offer up the blood of a lamb to atone for the sins of the people. Yet another foretelling of future events.
Door 4: Door of the Sheep. Fast forward to Jesus and His ‘I AM’ statements. (by the way, don’t miss the opportunity to learn more during our Midweek Lenten series based on the ‘I AM’ statements) Jesus says, “I am the Door to the sheep.” Shepherds during Jesus’ time placed themselves at the opening to the sheep’s pen as a measure of protection – both to keep the sheep in and the predators out. His presence in our lives affects the same thing, but how often do we take His protection for granted?
Door 5: The Cross. This door is a metaphorical one, but one of the most important ones. The cross can be seen as door to our salvation. The sacrifice of a perfect lamb (see Door 2) is offered as atonement/forgiveness of our sins. This door opened a way to be reconciled to God and to live in His love and forgiveness.
Door 6: The Tomb Door. This door – opened to an empty tomb – reminds us that Jesus has conquered sin and death. We now share in that victory through our repentance and belief in Jesus as our Savior.
Door 7: The Narrow Door. Jesus reminds us that it won’t always be easy. The narrow path to the narrow door is hard, but the journey is worth it because it leads to life. We often stumble onto the wide and easy path, but Jesus stands at the door and beckons us in.
I’d never really thought about the references to doors throughout the Bible, but it is an interesting perspective for sure. The final door reference is found in Revelation 3:20.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Do you hear Him knocking at the door of your heart? Don’t be afraid to open it. There’s something awesome waiting for you!
Dawn Lubker, Ministry Coordinator
