And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon they gates. Deuteronomy 11:20 KJV
Gates are barriers used to close or open an opening in a wall, fence or hedge. We use them as entrances or exits. Our dogs patiently or not so patiently wait at them to go in after a walk or excitedly to go out for a car ride. When the dogs escape through the gate, we draw them back home to safety within the gates of their own family.
The bible talks about a multitude of different types of gates. The sheep gate is mentioned where the sheep go in and out and find pasture and Jesus makes claim to being the door of the sheep gate. We hear about the gates of both heaven and hell. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus tells us that he is building his church on the rock and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Psalm 100:4 says to enter his gates with thanksgiving in our hearts.
Like the dogs and the sheep Jesus talks about, we often try to go through different gates in our life before it is the right time. Jesus gently comes after us and brings us back to the safety of the family of God, where we can be nourished and enjoy fellowship. Open gates always look inviting and can lead us to greater growth and adventure with Jesus.
Closed gates represent boundaries to us. They are the same old, same old that is requiring us to stay where we are and not try anything new. During a season of closed gates, we can also experience the growth necessary for the future. We can develop a relationship with Jesus that will strengthen and keep us during all the seasons of our life.
Whether you are facing open gates or closed ones today, be like the dogs and wait patiently and excitedly. Jesus has something great in store for you. When the gate swings wide, with God, you will be ready to walk through to the other side.
Just Another Dog Devotion 