The Door

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. (1Peter 5:8) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. (John 10:10) I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up from some other place [on the stone wall], that one is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider]. The [a]doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture]. When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call. Jesus said again, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am the Door for the sheep [leading to life]. (John 10:1-4,7) For blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] are they who keep my ways.

Heed (pay attention to) instruction and be wise,

And do not ignore or neglect it.

Blessed [happy, prosperous, to be admired] is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at my doorposts. (Proverbs 8:32-34) Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked--spiritually unprepared and men will not see his shame. (Revelation 16:15)