Dear Ones:
The Lord Jesus speaks to the church at Philadelphia in Rev. 3: 7-8, in declaring that HE opens doors, that no man can shut, and opens those that no man can open. Paul speaks of an “open door” also in Colossians 4:3, and this in the context of a prayer. In both cases, the “open door” is an opportunity, whether “in season or out of season,” that the Lord gives, in order for the “mystery of the gospel” to be preached, or the witness to the greatness, goodness, and holiness of God, to be proclaimed. The issue of the witness, or the proclamation of the truth, specifically the gospel, is of paramount importance, as “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” There must be the proclamation, the declaration of the word of God, in small or great measure, if there is to be true faith born.
Let us go further in our consideration of “open doors,” and this, by looking at them as very real opportunities, not only to speak of the truth, of Christ, but to live the witness, to serve in a very tangible manner. And again, we do not talk about “greatness of works” here, as Jesus says that even a cup of water given in His name is seen, noted, and worthy of reward. Paul writes to the Galatians: “As we have OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD TO ALL MEN, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10) What is he implying here? Most certainly that God will open doors, create opportunities, for us to love and serve others. The “open door” is the opportunity, to proclaim Christ by word, and also by deed.
Who is the man or woman who would “do good?” He is that one described in Matthew 24, who is that faithful and wise servant who gives the household food in due season. He, or she, is ever ready to give that which is “good,” and tangibly beneficial to those whom the Lord gives us to serve. He, or she, is also that one who is a good and faithful servant, using all his resources, “…according to his several ability…,” to give, to serve, to be to others what they need.
One word about the “frenzy” of Christian service…God has not called us to “frenzy,” the emotional striving to see what we can do. The true servant is one who is led by, consistently filled with the Spirit. Our example is always the Lord Jesus. Though he was never idle, never late, and never early, always “abounding” in the work of His Father, we never see him out of control, driven by need or emotions. He is steadily, in dependence upon His Father, doing the will of God, and serving others by the Spirit. In all of our consideration of service, we must never forget that we are first called to “abide in Christ,” to live in Him, and derive all from Him. That which we have to give, whether by word or deed, is to be by the Spirit. Indeed, it is to be BY CHRIST, as we trust in Him.
So, today, since God’s mercies and compassions are new every morning (Lam. 3:22), let us trust the Lord to open our eyes to see the “open doors,” the opportunities, whether for witness by preaching or teaching, or by tangibly serving others as they have need. And let us go through those doors in faith, believing God to reveal His glory. After all, this is the great purpose of giving us the opportunity, to trust Him, to believe Him for the “…King of glory to come in…,” into that situation, into that life.
Love, Dad