Gates. I love a good gate.
Carefully carved and crafted.
Designed for beauty and strength.
Providing entry or denying access.
Mystery
There’s always certain mystery when we face closed and locked gates. And delight when one opens to a garden. Or courtyard. Taking us from traffic and chaos. Into quiet and order.
Scripture speaks often of gates. From city plans to sheepfolds.
They weave through the Word and invite us to enter.
Or keep out wolves and thieves. Bar the wicked, enemies of the true.
Jesus says, “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and come in and go out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Watchman
One place we lived had a watchman at the gate.
Mainly for answering random salesmen. Or providing a cup of water in desert heat to thirsty passersby.
The gate and watchman didn’t provide full protection.
One night, thieves came over the back wall. Broke through iron bars of an empty bedroom’s window. And roamed through our house looking for gold.
We had none.
So they went out the front gate, looking elsewhere. After tying up the watchman and stealing his watch.
Entry point
Another season. In a different part of the world. I interpreted for a group of medical doctors and nurses treating those suffering after a devastating tsunami.
This province had long been closed off to foreigners. Now people from all over the world were arriving to help
The main city had a prominent entry point. Gateway. The sign stretched across the road declared its role as the gate for pilgrims heading to their religion’s holy city.
In years past they’d gather here. Then leave on boats from this harbor to make the pilgrimage.
Open gates
A local man was hired to drive us around to makeshift clinics. Set up on various sites around the area.
Long lines of patients waited to see these medical professionals. Most suffering from trauma. Some had lost their entire extended family in the tsunami.
One day the driver took us by a store that sold local souvenirs. I picked up a filigreed gold necklace. Intrigued by its curious design.
He told me, “Those are the gates of this city.” Then, quietly, “The gates are now open.”
Ancient doors
That same week I read Psalm 24. A passage forever tied to my memories of that week.
“Lift up your heads, you gates!
Rise up, ancient doors!
Then the King of glory will come in.
Who is He, this King of glory?
The Lord of armies,
He is the King of glory.”
Psalm 24:9-10
City with gates
Some day we will walk in a city illuminated by the glory of God. And yes, this is a city with gates.
But these beautifully designed gates “will never close by day because it will never be night there” (Revelation 21:25).
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter it.
People from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
Glorious.
What about you?
Have you seen gates that deny entry or offer access where you live? What have you noticed about gates in Scripture?
Related
Cup of water – Walls – Enemy at the gate – Gospel clarity – River of life – Hidden treasure – Revelation 21 – Psalm 24 – John 10:9 – John 10 – Revelation 7:9-10 –
4 replies on “Gates”
City gates in Scripture were not only the in/out, but the places of courts, business and public announcements. In travels, I’ve always admired wrought-iron doors, gates, windows, street lights. Such craftsmanship and thought to some very ornate workings. With the increase in ‘gated communities’ (USA) an exclusivity has become attached to gates…perhaps a testimony to the gospel’s “Depart from Me, I never knew you” admonition to keep our lamps lit and oil full.
Yes! Thanks for sharing these insights.
That Psalm always brings that city you mentioned to my heart! And brings me to prayer for those precious people!
Yes. We keep praying ♥️