Gates

As complicated as our relationship with fences may be, everyone likes a gate.

A gate embodies our access to the other side of the fence, where the grass is greener. A gate means we can come and go; a gate means we aren’t forever restricted to whatever side of the fence we find ourselves on. A gate is freedom to change.

My gate is nothing special, but it will allow me access behind the taller fence to plant, tend, and harvest my vegetables. When it is shut, it will keep predators and mowers out; when it is open, I will have complete access to my garden. The gate allows me to enter my garden’s protected space and allows me to leave and interact with the world.

But the question arises – who’s guarding the gate?

The gate must latch shut to serve any purpose. Who can open it? In my garden’s case, any human could operate the latch. But if we move into the internet world, gates can become quite complicated. Hard-to-remember passwords, multi-step verifications, biometrics, we must prove ourselves to invisible gatekeepers before we can enter our own spaces.

When my husband sold to the military, not only did he need clearance to enter a base, but they would check his car for hidden bombs before they would open the gate. The bases had serious gates and serious gatekeepers. The verses from Revelation I cited last week said there were angels guarding the twelve gates of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:12). Serious gatekeepers.

Jesus refers to himself as both the gate and the shepherd who leads his sheep through the gate.

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:2-3.

I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. John 10:9.

The beauty of a gate is the freedom to move in and out. We are not called to be stagnant, to hide behind our fence in a secure location with the gate bolted shut. Or be shut out forever. Jesus calls us to move in and out and we are to follow his voice.

Jesus himself moved in and out of the gate, becoming human, suffering in a cruel world, and returning to await the end days. The Holy Spirit moves between the heavenly realm and the earthly realm, calling the lost sheep, directing our path, and leading us safely home. To God, the gate between heaven and earth is no more complicated than the latch on my garden gate.

To me, the latch of heaven’s gate is impossible. I cannot open the gates to heaven by myself. I am not holy enough to enter through the gate, much less open it. I can only hope that I have been cleared by Jesus and any hidden bombs have been detected and diffused. I must rely on Jesus to open it for me. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, God moves freely in and out of the gate. God is everywhere. Whether we seek Him or ignore Him, He is there, calling out to us.

Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Shaol, you are there. Psalm 139:7-8.

This is the good news, dear friend. Wherever you are, whatever side of the fence you are on, no matter impenetrable the walls look, the gates are open to Jesus. He will lead us in and out and show us pasture.

Is He leading you?

Love in Christ, Betsy