I am the gate

I am the gate

Scripture: "Then he went to the gate facing east. He climbed its steps and measured the threshold of the gate; it was one rod deep." (Ezek 40:6 ); "Then he measured the length and width of the gate facing north, leading into the outer court." (Ezek 40:20-21); "Then he led me to the south side and I saw a gate facing south." (Ezek 40:24).

Observation: In Ezekiel’s temple, a lot of time is spent talking about the gates, describing its measurements and specifications in great detail. But what is the main significance of gates in Scripture?

Firstly, in the time of Abraham, we see the gate as a place where important deals were witnessed. Abraham met Ephron the Hittite at the city gate, and purchased the tomb for his wife Sarah there in the presence of the people for the agreed price. Later Boaz acquired Ruth and the property of her deceased husband at the city gate. Spiritually, when Jesus said “I am the gate for the sheep”, it also reminds us that at Jesus’ death on the cross, the transaction took place whereby Jesus died for us that we might have eternal life. He paid the full blood price that we might be redeemed from our sin!

Secondly, the gate is simply an entrance to a city or a place. When Jacob had the dream about the stairway to heaven, where angels were ascending and descending, he exclaimed “this is the gate to heaven”. Later, Jesus said “you will see angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man”. Jesus again is the gate to Heaven, and no one can enter heaven without going through Jesus Christ!

Thirdly, the Israelites were asked to write down the law of God on the doorframes of their houses and their gates. The reason for this, is that they will be constantly reminded of God and His law when they come in and when they go out. In the same way, spiritually, as Jesus is our gate. Whenever we come in and go out, our thoughts should always be reminded of the Lord, and our need to worship Him and serve Him.

Fourthly, the gate is also a place of judgment. Under the Mosaic law, certain offenses punishable by death resulted in a person being dragged to the city gate and being stoned there. Spiritually, Jesus as our gate has taken our judgment upon Himself. Yet those who refuse to accept Him will likewise be judged on account of Him and be destroyed.

Application:  Praise Jesus for dying on the cross for our sins. Confess that He died that we might have life, that He was punished that we might be forgiven. Pray for faith and strength to follow Jesus and ever keep Him before our eyes as we serve Him and love Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that You died on the cross that I might have life, in full sight of all heaven. Help me always follow You and serve You till the end. I thank You, Lord, that only through You can I enter the gates of Heaven. Let Your ways, Your person ever be before me in my coming and going. Lord, You were judged that I might be forgiven. Bless You and thank you, dear Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.