The Open Door

by Robert Mohns

Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My name. | Revelation 3:8b

The open door Jesus speaks of here is the door of salvation, the door of eternal life. This is the door He opened to you. Through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, He has opened up heaven to all those who have kept His Word and not denied His name. 

Our Lutheran Study Bible is prefaced by these words of Luther: “Whoever believes and holds to Christ’s Word, heaven stands open to him, hell is shut, the devil is imprisoned, sins are forgiven, and he is a child of eternal life. That is what this book teaches you—the Holy Scripture, the Bible—and no other book on earth.”

When my first son was very young, we took a road trip to “Speedy Creek” (also known as Swift Current) and decided to go to a grocery store. We had only a little time and much to get, so my wife and I divided up the list and went our separate ways to get the things we needed. We had not, however, taken into account our son. Soon we realized that he was not with either one of us. Panic set in. We looked all over the store for him. 

For a generation and more now, this has been the legacy of Lutheran Church–Canada. By the grace and mercy of God, you have held fast to the Word of God, you have confessed Christ and you have held the hands of people—your spouse, your children and grandchildren, your friends and neighbours—and led them to the open door of salvation. The Lord has seen it. He has seen your powerlessness and He has shown you the power of His Word.

We finally found him at the front of the store watching in awe as the automatic sliding doors opened and closed. You could tell the wheels of curiosity were turning. To our amazement, he did not try to go through the doors. He just stood there. 

But when I took his hand in mine, he went through the doors without hesitation. What he had no thought to do on his own, because he was small, innocent, and powerless, he gladly did when his father took his hand.

Jesus has accomplished what we were powerless to do. He has opened heaven and shut the gates of hell to us. The Lord’s concern continues that you and I walk through that open door. For this reason, He has provided us with the ministry of Word and Sacrament. He continues to provide opportunities to hear and hold on to His Word. He has given you opportunities to receive His promised comfort and consolation. He has given you opportunities to confess Christ, and to take hold of the hands of those whom He set before you to lead to Christ. 

For a generation and more now, this has been the legacy of Lutheran Church–Canada. By the grace and mercy of God, you have held fast to the Word of God, you have confessed Christ and you have held the hands of people—your spouse, your children and grandchildren, your friends and neighbours—and led them to the open door of salvation. The Lord has seen it. He has seen your powerlessness and He has shown you the power of His Word. The Lord continues to preach into our ears today, “Hold fast to my Word,” and this Word by the working of the Holy Spirit continues to work in our hearts.

This is no small thing when we consider the many distractions and threats that face God’s people both from outside and within. It is no small thing when we consider our powerlessness.

For this and every generation, may God grant us open ears, and give us good courage to boldly confess Christ and lead others to the open door, to the Kingdom of our God.

Lord, open now my heart to hear,

And through Your Word to me draw near.

Let me Your Word e’er pure retain,

Let me Your child and heir remain.

Your Word inspires my heart within;

Your Word grants healing from my sin;

Your Word has power to guide and bless;

Your Word brings peace and happiness.

— LSB 908

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Rev. Robert Mohns is Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC)’s West Regional Pastor. This column is adapted from Rev. Robert Mohns’ sermon at the 2022 LCC Synod Convention.

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