Iron Gates

Scriptures: ”For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” (Ephesians 2:14-15)

Many years ago, when I was still a high school student, we came home from a family night out to find that the door to our home was damaged. Apparently, someone attempted to break in. Fortunately, there was an iron gate inside the front door and prevented the burglar from getting to anything of values in the house.

Immediately after that incidence, my Dad replaced the door with a door that had steel plate built inside the door so that, even if the burglar tried to break that door, they would not succeed. Within a matter of a few months, all units in our apartment, and many others in the community, added iron gates to their doors. Wherever you go in the city, you would see iron gates outside people’s houses and windows.

There was only one reason why people did that, security. Did it work? Perhaps. But, while iron gates kept the burglars out, they kept the people in, too. It’s all because of the need for security. But, somehow, I think the need for security really stands for fear. People are fearful. All the modern technological advancements and scientific breakthrough, while adding comforts to our lives, have not removed, nor reduced the fear in life.

George Bernard Shaw, in his comments on capitalism, once said, “The wealth accumulates and man decays.” How true! With the possession in life increases, the conveniences and luxury in life grows, so do the fear and the sense of insecurity in life. What are we really buying for ourselves? I wonder!

Because of this increased level of fear and insecurities, people find more anxiety and less peace in life. Friendship is becoming a rare and vanishing commodity. Psychiatric and psychological problems have risen to an unprecedented level. As prevalent as clubs of all sorts are everywhere, they are really bound by their common interest, not by love or caring for each other. People really don’t find love, peace and support in those circles. There seems to be an invisible iron gates somewhere in our hearts that locks everyone else out and keeps ourselves in.

Such is a powerful divider among people. We have become so much more self-conscious, conscious of our needs, our rights, and our ideals, and much less thoughtful of others, not to mention trusting others. We believe that, by focusing on ourselves, we will grow, mature and become a better person. But, have we? We seem to have lost the capacity to love and care for others and, somewhere in this process of self-seeking, we dropped the place that God deserves in our lives. This is another misconception of security that, by locking others out, we will be safer and stronger. But, the reality seems to say that we have become more isolated, fearful and vulnerable.

God sees our loneliness and fearfulness. God also sees that great wall that separates us from Him and from each other. He wants to tear all these great walls down. He wants to bring us back to Him where we can find true love and fellowship, true peace and security. The psalmist said, “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.” (Psalm 61:6-7)

While the sin of this world continue to rampage, Apostle Paul told us that Christ “HAS destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14) Therefore, we do not need to lose heart because our Lord has triumphed over all these sins and crimes. He is our refuge in times of troubles. More than that, He has promised eternity of His presence and glory for the faithful. Let’s not lock ourselves in our fearfulness and limitedness. Let’s be open to His power and mercy so He may tear down all barriers that have hindered us from becoming His effective witnesses and co-workers in His glory!

Prayer Requests:
For those fearful of their safety

Prayer:
Our loving Father, thank You for being our rock and refuge in times of troubles. Thank You for the work of our Lord Jesus that has torn down all barriers of hostility that create fears in us and hinder our sharing of Your love. Please help us to keep coming back to You for guidance, wisdom, and support to be Your mighty vessels of grace to reach beyond all visible and invisible iron gates in people’s lives and to bring them the love and peace You have in store for all. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!