A Wide Open Door

 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."

— Matthew 23:13

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

Your stern rebuke to the teachers of the law and the Pharisees was stinging! They didn't merely make it hard to enter the kingdom of heaven, they actively kept people out. They were shutting the door in people's faces. And they themselves weren't even entering the door. They kept the door shut and kept hungry and hurting people shut out.

Lord, how many in our community are trying the doors to your kingdom and finding them locked? Who is getting shut out of your kingdom because we didn't hold the door open behind us? It brings to mind the common courtesy of holding the door open for the person entering behind you. For many of us, we live life with a lack of consideration for the people following after us. We let the door slam behind us and don't think twice because we're already inside. Oh, that I would be a person who holds your door wide open for those who are trying to enter!

Gracious Lord, show me where my heart and my actions are like the Pharisees. Where am I shutting the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces? Where have I let the door slam shut behind me and been oblivious to those following right behind? Lord, may I do everything I can to swing Your doors wide open for those who are trying to enter. May we see people coming into Your kingdom because they found wide open doors and welcoming faces. May any door we have actively kept shut be swiftly opened so hungry and hurting people can be lovingly welcomed into Your kingdom today.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!


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