"Gates"

“Gates”

One of the world’s most famous gates is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. It was built in the late 18^th century and has been politically significant, perhaps most notably (and infamously) as a symbol of the Nazi Party. It was heavily damaged during World War II but restored after hostilities ended. It was closed during the time the Berlin Wall divided the city but was reopened when the Wall was torn down in 1989. It’s now viewed as representing a reunited Germany.

City gates were important in ancient times. Most cities were walled and besides providing entrance gates were places of commerce, news and functions of government. This is shown when God commanded Joshua to designate six cities of refuge for protection of those who took another’s life accidentally: “When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city.” (Joshua 20:4). When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall some 1000 years later twelve gates were included, the names of most indicating their primary purpose: Sheep, Fish, Jeshanah (or Old), Valley, Dung, Fountain, Water, Horse, East, Inspection, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard (see Nehemiah 3). When Karen and I visited Israel in 2017 our guide told us there were nine gates in first century Jerusalem (read the posting “The Golden Gate” to learn about the most significant one).

Jesus used a gate to symbolize His Person and Work. He said in John 10:7, “…I am the gate for the sheep.” During His days on earth shepherds would lie across the only opening to the sheep fold to protect the flock from predators. He went on: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (Verse 9). In this picture He rightly claimed to be the only means by which people could have a relationship with God (“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”--John 14:6, emphasis added).

Just as Jerusalem’s gates had a purpose Jesus our Gate came to provide us with access to God (“…through him we…have access to the Father by one Spirit.”—Ephesians 2:18). City gates were closed at night but Jesus is always available to “…bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18). That’s an open invitation—avail yourself of it.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan