The Gate.....

As many of you know, many of these meandering thoughts I write can indeed seem obscure and perhaps “odd”. But the things I read,  see, or that  capture my imagination and cause me to meditate and wonder —especially when I am traveling alone, as I am this week in France—seem to often point to something inspired. I hope this little blog helps you see some common things a bit more “uncommonly”.

The verse that caused my musing this weekend is from Psalms 87:2:  “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.”   Now why is this? Why does God love the gate of Zion—-and why are gates mentioned so often the Old Testament and in Christ’s teachings?   Some people might have a negative feeling about gates, but in the Bible they are nearly always referenced in the positive!

I could write an entire sermon about gates, but let me share from my heart why I think God loves about the gates of Zion, and why we should as well.   Gates are symbols of power and protection—-so in a sense, gates are symbols of God’s attributes. As I walk the ancient streets of France this week, I am amazed at the size, power and beauty of some of these gates that are hundreds and hundreds of years old!

When Christ spoke of gates it was in regard to a place of safe dwelling—eternally. He contrasts the wide gate that leads to destruction with the narrow gate that leads to life, urging His followers to choose the path of righteousness.  Which gate have you walked into?

In the Bible, gates are mentioned over 200 times, but for me at least, the gates I pay attention to the most are this associated those that have to do with the kingdom of God.  Can there be any grander, more important gate in all creation?!  In Christian worship and hymns, gates represent thanksgiving and praise!   For instance, Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise…”.  Oh to have the money to build an enormous and grand gate that was at our camp’s entrance to remind every Christian of that coming day!

The idea, of course, is that once you’re inside that gate….once you’re surrounded by impregnable walls….once you have passed from the danger, violence, struggles, and even the frustration of not knowing what to choose “outside the gate”,  there’s significant reason to be full of joy and, well, happy!  Where are those gates America!

The gates I walk past while I am France and impressive—and enormous.  They stand still, silent and strong… hundreds of years after they were set in place. They offered safe passage and protection to those that were permitted to enter. Enormous gates were created to keep the bad (evil) things out, and the good (innocent) things in. Gates are good. And as a father, the director of an international  Christian sports camp for children, and a pastor., I realize the need, more now than ever in my life, for gates!

Because I love my sons, and because I have been commanded to protect them and raise them into godly gentlemen, I am now required to “put up gates” (and guards) over my children’s  iPhones, computers and relationships. But the truth is, some folks don’t like gates—-like my sons at times. I must also put an even stronger gate around my home and our camp in regard to who and what is allowed to  enter it,  and to keep safe those are inside it!  I am entrusted by parents around the world, to provide a safe, secure, haven for their children.  Those that enter our “gates” should know that they are on a holy mountain,  and that all that is evil, unholy, ungodly, cannot enter!  I don’t presume to present myself as all-knowing,  or to have  the final word on a person’s character, but yes!, , I do wish  our camp had strong, impregnable gates!

Again, I have been thinking about the “gate” because of my present challenges with those that live with me—my own sons. All are adopted, of course, and all came with certain proclivities, tastes and needs that are unique to each.  But I desire both for, and to be,  a strong gate—to protect them from those things, outside of Christ and Christian living, that will do nothing for them, except to lead them to an impoverished, empty, danger-laden and anxious existence. I yearn to pull them inside the gate and lock the gate so that nothing evil can enter in, and, quite frankly, so that they can never venture out!

Of course Jesus Christ metaphorically identifies Himself as the “gate” in John 10:9, saying, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.”  And this reinforces my point and my understanding of the joy of entering into that “gate”.  Jesus offers security—-eternally…..peace—-immediately…..and joy—for all who chose to enter in.  I can try and try to be a strong gate, and even build one, but Jesus is the ultimate gate for those I love—and those I serve.

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14 NIV). Amen.