FREEDOM IN CHRIST: Why Jesus Offers a Screen Door Life, Not a Vault
"Uh oh. I don't have my key," the bank teller said with a little laugh after the vault door clicked behind us, locking us in.
It wasn't funny to claustrophobic me.
Every cell of my body screamed to be released, but I was helplessly trapped inside.
I used to think living with Jesus was like my bank vault experience. You step forward to find a treasure, then God's door swings shut behind you, restricting your movement for the rest of your life.
So, instead of following Jesus with all my heart, I resented His commands.
But the truth is that Jesus purchased our FREEDOM with His blood.
Jesus says that eternal life comes with a SCREEN DOOR, not a vault door.
Jesus wants us to sit on the porch with Him and ENJOY the breeze.
In John 10:9, Jesus said, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved."
God seals in your eternity, but that's only the beginning of His plans for you.
In the rest of verse 9, Jesus reveals that His children have been SET FREE:
"He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
Jesus saved you to ENJOY A SCREEN DOOR KIND OF LIFE.
His arms swing open to let you in, and His grace stretches wide to let you go out and run in His commands.
On earth, as in Heaven, you're Home in God's Presence whether you're coming or going.
As His child, you don't need a special code. There's no need to yank the door off the hinges or wait outside in the rain.
God's house is your house, too.
Come in. Kick your shoes off, and put your feet up. Let Jesus cover you with His love and slip a cushion under your weary head.
You'll be rested and ready when He whispers, "It's time."
Then go out. Dare to trust God to move the mountain and calm the storm.
Behold the Promised Land with one little push. Hear God's voice through the screen, guiding your way and leading you in paths of righteousness.
Now, find your pasture. Feel the sun on your face and the thrill of adventure, knowing His goodness and mercy are sure to follow.
GO into all the world and PREACH the Gospel WITH YOUR LIFE.
You don't have to figure it all out. You don't have to be so prepared.
You can always run back for shelter if it starts to storm. Your Heavenly Father's screen door is never locked, and He doesn't mind if you come in late.
In fact, the creak and the thump of your coming and going is music to God's ears.
Because you're meant to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, every single day of your life.
So, come in, go out, and find pasture. JESUS SETS YOU FREE.