Thoughts for Life: #28 Jesus Holds the Key of David

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- "These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Rev. 3:7). Christ is the Lord of all doors.

The doors He opens cannot be shut by men or demons. The doors He shuts will not be forced open, though all hell conspires to attempt it. Paul recognized that it was Jesus who opened doors for him throughout his ministry (2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3). (Google image, Jesus at the opened door)

If you seek "a great door for effective work," as Paul found (1
Cor. 16:9), remember that Jesus is the opener of doors. If you need some door slammed shut in Satan's face, remember Jesus hold these keys.

People may force open doors that you and I have closed, or close doors that you and I have opened, but when Jesus steps into the picture, no one can change it. Jesus will never relinquish the ultimate sovereignty over the doors in your life. He keeps the key of David.

Jesus will Give You the Keys of the Kingdom

Though there are some keys Jesus will never surrender to anyone, He is waiting to give to you and to me the keys of the kingdom

"I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it . . . I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 16:18-19).

Jesus entrusted the keys of the kingdom to the early disciples. His message was originally delivered to Peter who had just replied to Jesus' question: "Who do you say I am?" (v. 15). Upon Peter's affirmation of His lordship, Jesus gave him (and others who would follow) incredible authority for the purpose of spreading the work of His kingdom on earth.

How did Peter use the keys? How did he bind and loose? Jesus had just pledged that He would build his church. Since He would no longer be on earth in human flesh to do the building, He was committing this responsibility to Peter and the other disciples. Christ's concern in binding and loosing was not so much with the discipline of His church as with its building and advancement.

In the account of the growth of the New Testament church in the Book of Acts, prayer and witness went hand in hand as the Holy Spirit worked through the disciples.

Christ gave a key to Peter on the Day of Pentecost, and Peter stepped forward in obedience, opening the door of the church to three thousand new believers. Christ gave a key to Stephen. Stephen obeyed, and walked right into heaven. But his martyr's death influenced Saul, who became the greatest soul-winner of the early church.

Christ gave a key to Philip, who opened the door of the church to the Samaritans. He gave Philip another key and sent him to the desert. Philip obeyed and, on the Gaza road, opened the door to the Ethiopian eunuch and thus to the people of Africa.

Christ gave Peter another key, and he opened the door of the church to Cornelius and, subsequently, the door of salvation to the Roman Gentiles. Christ kept giving keys to Paul as He extended His kingdom, building the church in city after city—Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, Colossae, and on and on to many unnamed cities and towns. Paul kept obeying, preaching, praying, and building the church.

(Chapter 10, pp. 71-72, italics added for emphasis)

Used by permission

of the Duewel Literature Trust, Inc,

Greenwood, Indiana

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Let's pray-

"Holy Spirit, teach me to love the Lord my God with all my passion and prayer and intelligence…. and give me the grace to love others as well as I love myself. I accept and love myself—Your workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works. I release Your love that is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit toward my family, friends and enemies.
I will not return evil for evil, but will let my enemies bring out the best in me, not the worst. When someone gives me a hard time, I will respond with the energies of prayer. Father, I love You because You first loved me. Amen" Germine Copeland

Prayers that avail much

Scripture Reading
Matthew 22:37-39 (MSG)
Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 5:44 (MSG)
1 John 4:19

Today's Bible verses-

2 Peter 3:11 (NKJV) “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Today's quote-

~ Steven Smith- "God is good. It is a loving goodness. He fashioned every cell in your body. Surrendering to Him is not only for His glory, but is for your joy, pleasure, and fulfillment. Only God, your Creator, knows how to blaze a path for your life that brings both Him and you the greatest pleasure."

Words of wisdom-

~ Our understanding of Who Jesus is, makes all the difference in the world, as our answer to that is vital. Do we believe that He is a great teacher, role model and just a good man? When we embrace His identity as the Way, the Truth and the Life, we'll find it brings us resurrection power!

Today's question-

What can keep you from worshipping the Lord?

Are you actually serious, or just an observer?
Is there doubt that Jesus is Who He said He was/is?
Do you trust in and believe God's Word?
Have you counted the cost of being a believer?
Are you sold out to Jesus, and living for Him?
Are you willing to follow Him?
Are there hangups that hold you back from obedience?
Do you understand that Jesus is always with you to help?
Have you sensed His power within you as a believer?
Do you understand that He wants you to put Him first?
Are you aware that He's given you spiritual armor to wear?
Do you know that His Spirit lives within us as believers?

Don't allow your uncertainty to keep you from worshipping the Lord. If it depends upon us to really worship, we will fail miserably. Abandoning our feelings will help us believe God's Word and believe the authority He's give us to live for Him. It's a "win-win" situation!

Be set free to worship God in such a way that your worship will not only please Him, but tend to draw others to Him!

I've had #2 God as a Friend, of the God Seekers' post professionally edited, so now it reads better! I invite you to check it out, and let me know what you think of it. I'm working on #s 3 & 4 to send next.

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