Spurgeon Morning and Evening June 15 PM

Biblical Context

The Book of Revelation is the last book in the Christian Bible. It’s a prophetic vision given to John, one of Jesus’ disciples, while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. It’s a powerful message that shows Jesus’ ultimate victory over evil and gives hope to believers facing hard times. The book starts with letters to seven churches in Asia Minor, each one getting a specific message from Jesus Himself. Our verse comes from the letter to the church in Philadelphia, a church that didn’t get much criticism from Jesus. They held on to His word and didn’t deny His name, and Jesus promised them an open door.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “openeth” from Revelation 3:7. In the original Greek, this word is anoigo (ἀνοίγω). It means to open, unclose, or unbar. It’s not just a casual opening; it suggests a decisive action, like opening something that was previously shut. When Jesus uses this word about Himself, He’s making a big statement about His power. He doesn’t just suggest a door might open; He actively swings it wide. This opening can refer to a door of opportunity, a door to understanding, or, as our devotional explores, the very gates of paradise. It shows His authority and His complete control over access and exclusion.

Jesus: Keeper of the Gates

The message for today starts by putting Jesus in a truly special spot: He is the keeper of the gates of paradise. Think about that for a second. It’s not some lesser angel or a random guard; it’s Jesus Himself who holds the keys to heaven. And what’s more, for every soul that believes in Him, He sets an open door. This isn’t just a tiny crack or a hard-to-find path; it’s a door swung wide open, a door that no person or even the devil can shut against you. This is a promise of sure access, not just a maybe. It’s something you can truly count on.

Faith: The Golden Key

It’s such a joyful thought to know that having faith in Jesus is like having the most precious key imaginable—a golden key. This key opens the everlasting doors. The devotional asks a direct question: My soul, do you carry this key in your heart? Or are you maybe trusting in something else, some kind of “deceitful pick-lock” that will let you down when it really counts? It’s a call for each of us to check what we’re really depending on for our eternal future. Is it Jesus, or something that pretends to be Him?

The King’s Banquet and the Flowers

The message tells a parable, a story to help us understand. Imagine a great King throwing a huge banquet. He tells everyone that only those who bring the fairest flower will get in. Thousands of people come to the gate, each carrying what they think is the most beautiful flower from their garden. But what happens? Crowds get turned away from the King’s presence; they can’t get into the party. This part of the story makes you wonder: What kind of flowers are people bringing?

The Unacceptable Blooms

The parable gets specific about the flowers that just won’t work. Some people bring the “deadly nightshade of superstition.” This means relying on beliefs or practices that aren’t truly from God but are made-up or false. Others bring the “flaunting poppies of Rome,” which points to religious rituals and outward shows without true heart-faith, or leaning on human institutions instead of Jesus. Then there’s the “hemlock of self-righteousness.” This is when you think you’re good enough, that your own good deeds or efforts will earn you a spot. But the King doesn’t care for these. The people carrying these “flowers” are shut out of the beautiful pearly gates. It’s a stark warning: your personal efforts or false beliefs won’t grant you entry.

The Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley

Then the devotional turns the question back to you: My soul, have you gathered the “rose of Sharon”? Do you wear the “lily of the valley” close to your heart all the time? These aren’t just pretty flowers; they are titles for Jesus Himself, found in the Song of Solomon (Song of Solomon 2:1). If you really have these, if Jesus is truly your most precious treasure, then when you arrive at heaven’s gates, you’ll see just how valuable He is. You won’t need anything else. You only have to show this “choicest of flowers,” and the Porter—who is Jesus—will open the gate. He won’t hesitate, not for a second, to let you in, because to that Rose, He openeth ever. It’s a direct, certain welcome because of who Jesus is.

Unrivaled Beauty

With the Rose of Sharon in your hand, you’ll find your way right up to God’s throne. Why? Because heaven itself has nothing that can match its radiant beauty. And of all the glorious flowers that bloom in paradise, not one can compete with the lily of the valley. This is saying that Jesus, in His beauty, purity, and sacrifice, is beyond anything else. He’s the highest treasure, the most perfect thing you can ever bring or possess.

Getting Calvary’s Blood-Red Rose

The call to action is clear and powerful: My soul, get “Calvary’s blood-red rose” into your hand through faith. This rose represents Jesus’ sacrifice, His blood shed on the cross for you. Don’t just get it; wear it by love. Let your love for Him show it. Preserve it through communion, staying close to Him, talking with Him. Make it your all in all through daily watchfulness, paying attention to your walk with Him every day. If you do this, you’re going to be blessed beyond anything you can imagine, happier than you could ever dream. The message ends with a simple, strong prayer that you can make your own: Jesus, be mine for ever, my God, my heaven, my all.