Do you like doors? Not the rock group, but the vertical variety. I love a good door. Let me introduce you to one. The specimen in the photograph was, apart from the front door of our home, the most important door of my childhood.
I was reminded of it on a recent trip down memory lane. We took some friends into Ashford to give them a tour of my old haunts. One such was the parish church of St Mary the Virgin where I sang as a chorister. Somewhere inside on the vestry wall hangs a board with my name listed as Head Chorister back in the ’70s.
Looking at the door brought back a flood of memories. And feelings. Talking to my friend Charl I realised that, for me it was a significant place of safety. Once inside that door, robed up and ready to process to the choir stalls I felt at home. Why? Perhaps because of something that connects with what Jesus once said about a door.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:6–8 NIV11)
The door will be opened – that’s a guarantee. But what lies behind it?
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9–12 NIV11)
Jesus said that good gifts were gathered on the other side of the door. I certainly felt that as a lad going through the old, heavy vestry door. Once my bike was chained up, I turned the door handle and entered a place of familiarity where all was predictable. I knew my place, my role, my function. I had meaning, purpose and value.
Isn’t that what Jesus promises us? If we will but simply come to him, leave all else aside, knock and enter we will find meaning, purpose and value. Behind that door we discover a security that nothing in this world can match. We are guaranteed eternal life. Behind that door we discover a value that goes beyond anything anyone can offer us. We are loved by one who gave his own life for us to be saved.
And, there is one last thing. Just as I entered the vestry with a further purpose – that of processing to the choir stalls and leading a congregation in worship – so also we enter the Jesus door with a purpose. What is that?
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12–13 NIV11)
We’re called to respond to the generosity of God by being generous to others. Loving as we would like to be loved. That’s not too much to ask is it? After all, we’re safe now on the right side of the door. We’re not the door, but we know where it is. Let’s tell people. It’d be good to invite others to knock, open and enjoy the gifts of God.
I hope you have a wonderful week. God bless,
Malcolm
