Week 6 of "52 Weeks with Jesus" is titled "An Open Door" and gives us the opportunity to see how Jesus acts as three different kinds of doors.
Before going into it, James Merritt gives an analogy during the Bible times to explain how Jesus functions as a metaphorical door. He tells us of how shepherds used to take care of their sheep: they built a rock wall on 3 sides, and then would lie down in front of the opening and basically become the door for the flock. In an effort to compare this analogy to Jesus, the author explains that the shepherd gave his sheep the same 3 things that humans need- security (the sheep were safe as long as the shepherd was at the entrance), significance- (the sheep knew they mattered to the shepherd), and satisfaction (because he provided them with food and water).
Jesus as the Door:
The Door of Security —
Just like the sheep could only feel rest if they knew the shepherd was protecting them with his life, Jesus has done the same for us (if we trust him, that is). The author suggests that is what Jesus meant when he says, "If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and go in and out... (John 10:9). He reminds us that we all need his presence in our lives and that only he can provide the safety we desire. Something that I really appreciate the author for pointing out is this- "It's never too late to walk through the right door. The door stays open, and you can enter anytime you wish, knowing that Jesus himself will protect and provide for you." Sometimes we forget to open this up to people are haven't yet found Jesus, so it's extremely important for them to know that they are always welcomed.
The Door of Significance —
From the movie "Braveheart," comes this quote: "every man dies... but not every man lives." You can relate this to Christianity because until you have met, surrendered to, trusted, loved, and made Jesus your friend, you haven't truly lived. When you walk through the door named Jesus, everything changes. You get to truly live. He provides you wit the purpose you've been looking for.
The Door of Satisfaction —
It doesn't take a lot to satisfy sheep and they're easily one of the easiest animals to care for. You give them what they need and they're happy. If you fully trust Jesus, he can be the door that truly satisfies.
Going back to my appreciation for the author... he makes this book applicable to anyone. A Christian, a non-Christian, someone looking to find Jesus, and someone who doesn't yet know they need him. In the last section, Merritt gives us an honest talk about how we can find the right door. He writes this, "People go through life trying to find the doors of security, significance, and satisfaction, but they never do. Be honest with yourself. Are you secure in who you are, what you have, where you are going? Do you feel significant? Are you giving your life to things that matter and make a difference? Are you satisfied?"
If you are open and honest with yourself enough to say "no," take a look at what Jesus said: "I am the door" (John 10:9).
Directly taken from "52 Weeks with Jesus," here's this week's prayer: Lord, thank you that you are the Door to abundant and eternal life and that you have invited me to enter in. I trust you to meet my deepest needs."
