‘“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.’ Matthew 25:10-13(NLT)
‘Leave an 18-inch opening below the roof all the way around the boat. Put the door on the side, and build three decks inside the boat—lower, middle, and upper.’ Genesis 6:16(NLT)
‘A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.’ Genesis 7:16(NLT)
‘Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ‘ John 10:9(NLT)
‘“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. ‘ Revelation 3:20(NLT)
‘“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ‘ Matthew 7:7(NLT)
Today, let’s look again at the last few verses in the parable of the 10 virgins.
When the bridegroom arrived, the five foolish virgins weren’t ready. They had no oil in their lamps, which we’ve interpreted to mean that they hadn’t received the gift of the Holy Spirit. They were unprepared, and as a result, they didn’t make it to the wedding. The door was closed.
It’s kind of like the plane in Scenario 1 yesterday. Once the door is shut, it won’t open—no matter how much you beg and plead.
The other passages we read today give us more context on closed doors in Scripture, starting in Genesis with the story of Noah and the ark. It took Noah 100 years to build this ark, and the door was open until it wasn’t.
By faith, Noah and his family entered into the ark. Once they were inside with their families and the animals, God shut the door. Just as the ark had only one door to pass through to escape God’s judgment, we too have only one door to escape God’s judgement. His name is Jesus.
Jesus knocks on the door of our heart. Our bridegroom wants to come in, dine with us, and be part of our lives. When we shut Him out, we’re actually shutting ourselves out of eternity with Him.
There’s a time when the door will be opened, and that time is now. Jesus wants us to let Him in. When we knock on His door and seek to find Him, He joyfully and thankfully opens the door to us. There will come a time when it’ll be too late and when we knock, the door won’t open.
Let this be a warning to let Him in now so we won’t find ourselves like the foolish virgins who don’t get to come and be part of the wedding. We’ll never know the day or hour, so we must have the door open and ready.
The door is open to us and the invitation is open to all who say yes. Let’s say yes and walk through the door of salvation, because time is short!
from Will You Marry Me?