Scripture
“The Lord said to me, “Son of man, look carefully, listen closely and give attention to everything I tell you concerning all the regulations and instructions regarding the temple of the Lord . Give attention to the entrance to the temple and all the exits of the sanctuary. " (Ezekiel 44:5)
Observation
While I know where in a time when we should be supporting small businesses, locally owned “mom and pop” stores, I need to admit I’m a fan of the large corporations. The Walmarts and Targets. I miss the Sports Authoritys and Toys-R-Us. I love that you can get everything you want in one stop, one trip, one location. But, there is something that often frustrates me about these big businesses. It’s how every location has a different set up. Kapolei is different from Kailua. Why can’t they commit to a consistent layout so when I enter the doors to each and every store I can expect the same thing. If I go right for groceries in Kapolei, I should be able to do the same in Kailua. Ok, now this illustration is a bit of a stretch, but what I’m trying to communicate is that predictability and consistency is key if you want people to be able to access what you have to sell.
Application
As the Lord speaks to Ezekiel He commands him to “give attention to the entrance of the temple” as well as the exits. The command comes in the middle of all these other details on how the temple is constructed. The entrance is probably the most important part of the temple, besides the altar of course. It’s where people for all intents and purposes enter into the Glory of God’s house. The doors need to be wide enough, the signage needs to be clear, and access has to be obvious. If not, no one will enter, eager attenders may turn around if there’s no clear sign of how to get in.
Pastor Wayne speaks about the ancient boundary stones from Proverbs 22, imploring us to look back in order at times to press forward. His key statement is “we need to make sure that we don’t just keep the door open for people to come to Jesus, but that we don’t move that entrance, (that boundary stone).” If we constantly change our principles, people won’t know the true path the Jesus. We’ll bend and accept in order to be more accessible, risking to compromise what the Word of God says. Our doorway needs to remain steadfast and uncompromising. Rooted and reliant on Him.
We need to be sure that people come to know the real Jesus. To do so, we need to be sure our door is steadfast to His truth and His Word. When we compromise that and move things around to appease society we’ve essentially gone astray. May we never resonate with what is cool, but with what the Holy Spirit is doing.
Prayer
Jesus, may we leave the door open to those both curious on who You are and those pursuing a deeper relationship with you. Give us the courage and conviction to represent Your word and Your ways in spirit and truth, standing on Your promises as You take us from glory to glory.
