Tip Toeing at the Gate

 Picture a mansion surrounded by a rod iron fence and protected by huge gates. Many people may drive by and observe the mansion behind the fence, but will never get close. Much less will they ever have the privilege to be invited inside the mansion. It can only be viewed from a distance. 

Now suppose the owner of the mansion invites some for a visit. There is no rhyme or reason for the invitation. It is a good will gesture by the owner. Totally unmerited and undeserved, but it is an open invitation to come visit. Appointed times and dates are arranged. 

On the day of the official visit people show up outside the gate waiting for it to be opened. At the exact appointed hour the automated gates slowly creak and grind open. Instead of rushing up the long driveway to the mansion people just stand at the gate. They tip toe back and forth, but do not cross the gate and make their way to the mansion. 

The owner waits eagerly for the visitors to arrive. He peaks out the windows wondering why the delay. He is bewildered that his guests are tip toeing outside the gate, but they are reluctant to come inside. He waits longer, but still nothing changes. 

Eventually the owner sends one of his staff to go to the people and to personally bring them inside. He ushers them through the gate, down the driveway, and through the front door. He makes the formal introduction of the owner to the guests and they are brought to a banquet table. 

This little parable is to illustrate what many followers of God do. They are invited into the presence of God into His throne room. Instead of coming close to the Father, many tip toe outside the gate. They are reluctant to come close for various reasons. Past sins. Current lack of commitment. Present doubts and confusion about circumstances. All of these and more keep us from coming close to God. 

These people do not want to abandon God. They hang around the gate. They are reluctant to come through and enter the court of God. What does God do? He sends Jesus to personally usher us into the presence of His Father. He eagerly makes the introduction and excitedly shows us to our seats so we can interact and get to know Father God. 

Some will spend their whole lives tip toeing outside the gate. They never accept the invitation to come closer. They will always approach God from a distance. It is sad how few accept the invitation to come closer to God. It is sad that many will never get past the religious obligations to grow closer and enter into endless delight of knowing God. 

May we not tip toe outside the gate. May we all accept God's call for us to enter boldly into His throne of grace to obtain and find help in our time of need. [Heb 4:16] He sits waiting to embrace us, to reveal Himself, and to give us the fullness of joy in Him that we all desire. [Ps 16:11] So enter His courts with praise and walk through His gates with thanksgiving. [Ps 100:4]