Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
One detail of the heavenly city (one that I wrote about in “Melodic Mondays” devotionals in July of 2021) is the mention of “twelve gates” in Revelation 21:12. Verse 13 adds to the detail: “On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.” This is a picture of the access which is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. “Abundant access there” is how the Carter Family described it in their old Gospel song “Fifty Miles of Elbow Room.” The words of Jesus from Luke 13:29 are even more precise and powerful: “They shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.” The invitation of Jesus to all is answered by many, and the multitude of gates is a symbol to all of them that they are wanted and welcomed. From every nation, kindred, people, and tongue (Revelation 7:9), they will come. Through faith in Jesus, let us all be certain that we will be part of that great gathering.