The Doors Are Open Wide

People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last. - Luke 13:29-30

Immediately after talking about the ‘narrow door’ in Luke 13:24, Jesus teaches that the door is so wide that all kinds of people will enter into the kingdom of heaven. We’ll look more at the ‘narrow door’ in tomorrow’s devotions, but we want to start with the open door.

When people though of those who lived in east of them, they must have though of the Babylonians who destroyed Jerusalem and the temple an took all Israel captive. When they thought about those who lived west of Israel, they must have though of the Romans who were currently oppressing them with their conquering army. When they thought of those to the south, well, that meant the Egyptians - who had enslaved Israel for 400 years. And these are the people Jesus says are going to be welcome in the kingdom!?

Jesus casts a wide net - and wants everyone to come in. So if you think you are an outsider, think again. If you think you’ve failed God or been a bad Christian, think again. If you have doubts and fears and somehow think that you’re not welcome, think again. Jesus has space for you. He’s inviting you to come in great humility and to let him love you. Welcome to the kingdom today!

This is your prayer exercise today: Pause for a minute or two and just imagine Jesus, arms open wide, waiting for you to enter his embrace. Seriously, go spend time meditating on that image - and let you heart feel that welcome.