Open Wide!

January 20, 2022

Open Wide!

I first heard the words “Open Wide!” from my mother.  She was teaching me to eat my vegetables when I was a toddler.  I also heard the words “Open Wide!” from my dentist.  He was encouraging me to trust him as he examined my teeth.

But, there is another time we hear the words, “Open wide!”  We often hear these words when the Lord is about to lead us out of an old problem or paradigm and into a new possibility or promise.

After King Herod had the Apostle James killed, the King arrested the Apostle Peter for sharing the love of Jesus.  King Herod put Peter in a top security prison until the time was right to execute him. 

In the middle of the night, an angel comes and releases Peter from the shackles of the past and sets Peter free from the prison of his enemies.  As the angel and Peter walk towards the city gate, the gates miraculously open wide.

In Acts 12:10 we hear; “After they had passed the first and the second guard, they came before the iron gate leading into the city.  It opened for them of its own accord, and they went outside and walked along a lane, when suddenly the angel left him.”

I am not sure what is holding you prisoner today.  Maybe it is a toxic relationship, an addiction, or the fear of failure.  I am not sure what is keeping you shackled.  Maybe it is the memory of abuse, the devastation of a rape, or an indescribable loss. 

Jesus can open the gates wide and set you free.  Free from the pain of the past, free from the agony of the present, free from the fear of a broken heart.  Jesus can open the gates wide and set you free.

The Lord God opens the gates for Peter so he can step into the next amazing thing God dreams for Peter’s life.  The Holy Spirit opens the gates for the next possibility, the next dream, the next opportunity.  The Spirit can open wide the gates so you can explore the next thing God has for you.

The Spirit can bring you out of your prison and set you free from your shackles.  But, you have to get up, take a step, and trust the Spirit will open the gates wide when you get near.

When Peter steps through the gates his faith grows deeper and his courage grows stronger.  In Acts 12:11 we hear; “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me…” 

When you trust the Spirit will rescue you, the Spirit will open wide the gates and set you free.  Like Peter, your heart will be filled with delight as you walk into the next opportunity Jesus has ready for you.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug