“Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you came from.’ Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’” (Luke 13:25-27)
A couple weeks ago, my husband and I returned from visiting our daughter and son-in-law. We eat grilled tilapia on Sunday evenings, the senior special at Captain D’s. But it was 8:45, and they closed at 8. Surely Wal-Mart was open. We decided on deli chicken salad on bagel crisps. Oh, yum? Even though Wal-Mart advertised being open until 10, they had closed their doors. I craved chicken salad and added it to my Wal-Mart order.
Yesterday Jesus reminded us he’s our leader on the final journey to Jerusalem. Follow Him. If you follow me, you’re sure to get lost. The journey through Luke will end after Jesus’ Ascension when His disciples are at the temple waiting for the power of the Holy Spirit so they can serve God. After this intimate journey, if we don’t desire the baptism of the Holy Spirit, chances are we’ll close the door to Jesus.
Jesus warns us so we can pray through our journey. He pleads to our human nature. When doors close on us, we want what’s inside. We’re talking about Jesus, not chicken salad. We might tell Jesus through the door we’ll attend church and take communion. But Jesus won’t open the door for lame promises. He says, “I want to know you. I can’t take you to My Father until you repent and reach for my hand.” But Jesus never leaves us without hope; he doesn’t lock the door. Verse 35 says, we will see him again when we say, “Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord.”
Even though you may have already let Jesus lead you through the door to His Father, the journey never ends. Hold onto Him.
Dearest heavenly Father, I want to know you better. Jesus, continue to lead me through the riches of Your kingdom by showing me God’s will. Help me feel when you nudge me and listen when you speak. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
We do have a journey in front of us. We don’t know where it will take us or how long the journey will be. I hope that I will do my best to take God and Jesus with me every day of my journey. Help me listen to Your will as I make the journey.
I’m confident our journey to Jerusalem with Jesus will help us with our life’s journey.