The doorman
by Ryan Duncan
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. » – Matthew 11:28
Once upon a time there lived a wise and just king who cared deeply for his people. In order to ensure the prosperity of his kingdom, the king summoned one of his servants and issued this decree to him.
“Go and stand at the palace gate. If someone comes and asks to see me, open the door and let them in so I can talk to them. »
Then the servant went and did as the king had commanded. People came from far and wide to see the king. Some were wealthy men, some were great scholars, others were from noble families, and when they asked to see the king, the gatekeeper would grant them entry. Then one day a poor beggar came to the palace gate and asked to see the king. The doorman looked at him and frowned.
The beggar’s clothes were dirty and torn, he wore no shoes and was unpleasant to look at.
“Surely my king would not want to meet a man like this,” said the porter to himself, before sending the beggar away. Soon the doorman began to send the others away; people he considered too poor, too sick or too strange. When the king found out what was happening, he called the doorman.
“Why did you send the people away from the palace? » the king asked angrily. The doorman was surprised and replied gently: “My king, I was only doing what you entrusted to me. »
“Your duty was to open the door to those who would see me,” said the king, “do not decide whether they are worthy to do so. »
It is unfortunate that we behave like the doorman in this story. We call ourselves the “guardians on the wall,” and if we see someone who doesn’t quite fit our definition of worthy, we’ll slam the door in their face. But God’s grace is not ours to give, and true forgiveness belongs to Christ alone. Our job is to open the door that leads to Christ, through prayer, friendship and service. Remember, we are all equal at the door of Christ’s mercy.
Intersection of faith and life: Have you turned away people who seek God? Or light the way to the narrow path? Take time to think.
Further reading
>Luke 14:15-24
Check out some fantastic resources at Faith, FamilyAnd Fun has Crosswalk.com!
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