Is the Door Ajar? – Part 2

Last time we looked at Colossians 4:3, and learned a little bit from the example of Paul and how he went about preaching the gospel. He asked the Colossian brothers to pray that "God may open to us a door for the word". Surely we need to petition God with the same request in our prayers. Let's continue…

If you have a newer car you are probably familiar with a little light that comes on sometimes that says "door ajar". I've found it to be helpful from time to time when I had opened a passenger door to the car, but not shut it completely. I've also had it warn me whenever I leave the truck door or the rear door on our Explorer open. It keeps me from driving away with a door that may appear to be shut, but really isn't and could open while I'm traveling down the road.

What if we had a "door ajar" light for the gospel? Instead of being warned about the door being ajar so that we can shut it, what if we had one that let us know when it was slightly cracked so that we could open it? I would suggest that each one of us needs to develop a perception of when the door might be open to share the gospel with someone.

This is by no means a detailed list, but merely a beginning. Feel free to comment on this and add your own. In fact, comments would be appreciated.

1. Sometimes the door is ajar during a time of grief. As sad as it is, death has a way of putting things into perspective for many people. Its finality and the reality of the judgment to come some day (Hebrews 9:27) get people to think about their own mortality. While it isn't wise to go about during a time of grief trying to be militant in discussing spiritual matters (compassion is needed), the right words and scriptures, gently spoken, can bring a broken heart to a point at which it desires the truth. Be patient, and don't kick the door shut.
   


2. Sometimes the door is ajar during a time of pain. When people are suffering physically, or even emotionally, they are often open to relief wherever they can find it. As Christians we understand the relief that comes from God and the comfort of His word (Psalm 119:50). We also know the refuge that comes from obeying God (Nahum 1:7). Pain affords a time to provide comfort and an opportunity to direct a soul to a right relationship with God.
   


3. Sometimes the door is ajar during a time of need. When Jesus read from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2) as we have recorded for us in Luke 4:18 one of the things prophesied about Him was that he was sent to "proclaim good news to the poor". Peter and John took advantage of an opportunity presented by a lame beggar (Acts 3:6) to walk through an open door not only to this man, but also to all of those who gathered together to see this man because of the healing done (3:11ff). We are often presented with occasions to help someone who is in need. We need to realize that just as many of these people have physical needs that we ought to help them with (Matthew 25:34-40) they will very likely have spiritual needs. Remember that this time of need is a perfect opportunity to fulfill both, and often both will be welcomed.
   


4. Sometimes the door is ajar during a time of curiosity. Many a person has come through the doors of our building, simply curious about what we are teaching. Almost all of us have had questions about the truth from co-workers or friends. These are all people who are just curious. We read of a similar case in Acts 17:29 and following where many people were curious about what Paul was saying. We see that it is likely most of them didn't believe what Paul said (vs. 32) but there were some who did believe and followed him (vs. 34). Our lesson? While many of these people simply seek to satisfy their curiosity, some of them are actually looking for the truth. It's nearly impossible sometimes to tell which is which. Let us not think it a waste of time to discuss these matters with them.
   


5. Sometimes the door is ajar________________ - what do you think?
   

May we always be aware of when the door is ajar and ready for us to open it a walk through. Let us make sure that we are opening doors to walk through, not kicking them shut because we don't see them! What times do you see the door ajar?