Good Morning.
And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. (Genesis 7:15-16)
I’ve always found it fascinating that “the LORD shut him in.” We’re not told how that was accomplished in a mechanical sense, but we are made to understand that God saw to it, personally, that the door was closed. It is thus inferred that once God closed the door, no one could open it.
In other words, time had run out for anyone who had heard the warnings being preached by Noah. We know that our God is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but we also know that there is a time when He must act for the sake of His purpose and for the righteous. Once the door is shut, the opportunity that had been presented for restoration and blessing is closed.
In the parable of the ten virgins we see a similar theme. Remember all of them had lamps contenting oil. The wise also had extra vessels containing oil; the foolish did not. All went to sleep waiting for the bridegroom’s call that was delayed. Upon hearing the call at midnight, all awoke but the foolish discovered that they didn’t have enough oil to make the journey in the darkness. They were compelled to go purchase oil in the middle of the night from merchants who had long before closed their shops. While they were doing this, the bridegroom came.
“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ (Matthew 25:10-12)
Once again we see that, once the LORD has shut the door, it can’t be opened. That is a tragic thing to consider and so let us not be as those foolish virgins. Instead let us be like those in the congregation at Philadelphia. Because they had been faithful to keep God’s Word, Messiah told them:
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. (Revelation 3:8)
Just as no one can open what God has shut, no one can shut the door that God has opened for His people. With all of my heart I believe that He is about to open doors for His people that will precipitate another Great Awakening. To lead others out of darkness into the Light is why we are here. Let us do today what we must, that we are prepared to go through that door while it is still opened.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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