...you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.
-- Matthew 23:13 (Jesus)
The scriptures never cease to amaze. Within them live the mysteries of revelation. As the writer of Hebrews penned: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword... (Hebrews 4:12).
My amazement (or my most recent) stems from something I've read countless times, but never seen. Can you relate to the sense? A sudden aha moment, followed by, "I don't think that was there the last time I read this part." Jesus promised the Spirit would shine a spotlight that uniquely illuminates truth in ways that are mysteriously beyond our ability to predict.
All that is preamble - and I'll try to pick up the pace.
In a series of Woes to the Pharisees and Sadducees (leaders of the day) Jesus calls out their hypocrisy and darkened hearts. One of Jesus' indictments is, "You shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces."
Wow! I don't remember ever seeing that.
Interestingly, when the leaders of Jewish religious life (specifically the Scribes) fulfilled training and received their commission they were given - of all things - a symbolic key. They carried the symbol with pride. The picture was clear: You have the key of knowledge that opens the scriptures for people to understand and find life. More succinctly: You are a keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Keys can unlock. Keys can also lock tight.
Each of us as followers of Jesus have been given a key. It is the key of a testimony of transformation. A key that gives a living example of God's incredible grace. By our lives and our love this key will unlock the kingdom to others. By our lives and un-love this key locks the door.
God, forgive me for the times I have shut the door of your kingdom in the face of others. Help me, by my life and love to throw the door open wide.
For now...
D
