The Little Gate That Opens

“Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” — from Matthew 7

At last Christian reached the little gate — the one Evangelist had pointed to. Above it were written these words: “Knock, and it shall be opened to you.”

So Christian knocked. And knocked again. He wasn’t sure anyone would come. What if the gate stayed shut? What if he wasn’t good enough to be let in?

But the gate opened! A kind man named Goodwill stood there. “Who is it? Where have you come from, and what do you want?” he asked.

“I am a poor sinner with a heavy burden,” said Christian. “I’ve come all the way from the City of Destruction, and I want to go to the wonderful City on the hill.”

“I am willing with all my heart!” said Goodwill — and he opened the gate wide and pulled Christian safely inside. Christian asked if his burden could come off now. “Be patient,” said Goodwill. “Keep going, and at the right place it will fall off all by itself.”

Then Goodwill showed him the narrow path and sent him on his way.

Here is something wonderful about God: he never turns away anyone who comes to him. You don’t have to be good enough first. You just have to knock. Come to God, and he will open the door and welcome you in with all his heart.

Dear God, thank you that when I come to you, you never turn me away. I’m knocking — please let me in. Amen.