The Open Door

A dear friend on the west coast described the burning devastation to me recently. "It is bleak and nearly unbearable," she said. "Yellow and orange skies and literal ash-rain; I'm unable to leave the house." My heart hurts so much for the hurting ones for whom the flames have made their existence a nightmare.

We're seeing pain all around us: in fires, in riots, in pandemic disease, and in some ways, it does feel quite apocalyptic. Jesus says in Matthew 24:12: "The love of most will grow cold," and I see this increasing by leaps and bounds as people seem determined to shut out Christ and His work.

Yet I can't ignore the revival happening. The hearts of those who are faithful are becoming even stronger! At the same time as people are more determinedly turning their backs on God, others are sending out even deeper roots, bathing themselves in the word of God and the Holy Spirit.

As I've prayed intensely for many weeks, I've sensed a strong rift between the harvest and the chaff-filled fields. I've read about it in Scripture, I've seen it in my quiet times, and the rift grows wider.

"See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied my name" (Revelation 3:8).

"If anyone hears My voice and and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me" (Revelation 3:20).

I believe the time is drawing near where that door will close - that is, when Jesus will return for His people. I don't know when; no one can accurately name the date that Christ returns for His bride. "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).

But the Scriptures say in Luke 21: "He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near."

I am so thankful for the hope after the hard times, the sun after the storm. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." This is the hope to which I cling. Daniel 3:25: "He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." He is with us!! We are rooted in Him. John 17:22-23 says: "I have given [My followers] the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity." 

I am praying this morning for the pain present in so many places. I'm praying for rooted faith for the faithful; I'm praying for the elect to be gathered from the four corners of the earth (Mark 13:27), for His kingdom to come, and His will be done (Matthew 6:10). I'm praying especially for guidance as we navigate this time (Psalm 18:36). The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). 

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him" (Psalm 40:2-3).