June 15, Evening
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"He openeth, and no man shutteth." — Revelation 3:7 · KJV
Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise, and before every believing soul He sets an open door which no man or devil can shut. What joy it will be to find that faith in Him is the golden key to the everlasting doors! My soul, do you carry this key in your bosom, or are you trusting some deceitful lock-pick that will fail you at last? Hear this parable of the preacher, and remember it. The great King has made a banquet and has proclaimed to all the world that none shall enter except those who bring with them the fairest flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the gate by thousands, each bringing the flower he esteems the queen of the garden; but in crowds they are driven from the royal presence and do not enter the festive halls. Some carry the deadly nightshade of superstition, others the flaunting poppies of false religion, others the hemlock of self-righteousness; but these are not dear to the King, and their bearers are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, have you gathered the rose of Sharon? Do you wear the lily of the valley in your bosom constantly? If so, when you come up to the gates of heaven you will know its value, for you have only to show this choicest of flowers and the Porter will open; not for a moment will He deny you admission, for to that rose the Porter always opens. With the rose of Sharon in your hand you shall find your way to the throne of God Himself, for heaven possesses nothing that excels its radiant beauty, and of all the flowers that bloom in paradise there is none that can rival the lily of the valley. My soul, get Calvary's blood-red rose into your hand by faith, wear it by love, preserve it by communion, and by daily watchfulness make it your all in all; and you shall be blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. Jesus, be mine forever—my God, my heaven, my all.