Daily Devotional
At the Gates of Life
At the year’s end, Scripture sets before us two cities and two endings. One kingdom lays tribute on the land; another opens its gates to the servants of God. Mordecai’s greatness was not lost, though for a time it seemed buried in the records of a pagan court. As Origen says, God caused the king to remember “the services of that just man Mordecai.” So also the Lord does not forget the works of those who fear His name. Yet the last word is not earthly advancement, but entrance into the holy city where the curse is no more.
The bride in the Song speaks with strong desire, longing to bring the beloved into the house and to be bound in a love that many waters cannot quench. This is no idle affection. Love is as strong as death because it endures cost, shame, and fire. Therefore Malachi speaks of the burning day: the proud are stubble, but for those who fear the Lord the Sun of righteousness rises with healing. The same Lord who comes as light also comes as judge. John the Baptist prepared this way, turning hearts back in repentance, so that men might not be found outside.
Revelation ends where obedience is weighed in the open. Cyprian writes: “for him that is righteous to do things still more righteous, and likewise for him that is holy to do things still more holy.” And Tertullian says, “Blessed they who act according to the precepts, that they may have power over the tree of life.” Let no one presume upon the gate while keeping the deeds of the outer darkness. If we would eat of the tree, we must now keep covenant with the Lamb: steadfast love, clean hands, repentance without delay, and endurance to the end.
“He also speaks in the Apocalypse, saying, "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for now the time is at hand for them that persevere in injuring to injure, and for him that is filthy to be filthy still; but for him that is righteous to do things still more righteous, and likewise for him that is holy to do things still more holy."”
— Cyprian
“Thus, too, again "Blessed they who act according to the precepts, that they may have power over the tree of life and over the gates, for entering into the holy city. Dogs, sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, out!" -of course, such as do not act according to the precepts; for to be sent out is the portion of those who have been within.”
— Tertullian
For Reflection & Discussion
What one command of Christ have you delayed, and how will you obey it today in a concrete act rather than in words only?
Whom must you seek out to reconcile with, forgive, or confess to, so that your heart may be turned before the Day comes?
What earthly tribute, possession, or habit is ruling you, and what will you give away, refuse, or put to death this week so that you may seek the city of God first?
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