Today’s verse says: “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.” All of us know that all cities have gates. You mostly see that when in America: as you enter a new city, you can see a written board welcoming you into that city. Now, the Bible says your body is the temple of God, and just like any physical temple, your body has a door entry. My brother, my sister, if you read this passage thinking God is talking only about a physical city, then you have remained on the logos (the Word inspired by God… the Bible itself) but you have missed the rhema, the spoken word that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention in this verse in order to help us apply it to our current situation or to our need for direction. And that’s the main problem believers encounter today: they take the Word of God at face value. Now, let’s go deeper into this verse: The Bible advises us not to leave the gates of the city open until the sun is hot. You see, historically, city gates were usually opened at sunrise to allow merchants to enter and set up their tent-stores… but along with them, the enemy could also enter! Therefore, Nehemiah was warning Jerusalem, so they may not be caught unprepared by an enemy attack… Here he was asking them to ensure the gates are closed until well after sunrise, in other words, when people were sure to be awake and alert. What does it mean for us Christians? That we should never relax our guard based on the fact that we have given our life to Jesus and that He protects us. Yes, many believers rest on past accomplishments after they have completed a few tasks; many stop praying constantly after a few years of accepting the Lord; many take their salvation for granted forgetting that if the Bible asks if Jesus will find faith on earth (Luke 18:8), it only means we ourselves can depart from His gift of eternal life before He returns; many become arrogant and pride takes over them as long as they know a little bit of the Word… many deem unnecessary to attend church services because they can learn for themselves and they have a relationship with God, instead of humbling themselves just like the disciples did by following Christ, the Master, to the end… My friend, the enemy, the devil is prowling looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) and the only way he can devour, kill or destroy you is by entering in your life first. You see, the Bible says one person was going to betray Jesus, but Judas was not necessarily the chosen one: however, it is when Judas left the group to go his own selfish ways that “Satan entered into him” (Luke 22:3). This should tell us that we must continue to serve and take care of all that God has entrusted to us until the return of Jesus. yes, following though after a project is completed is as vital as planning or doing the project itself. My friend, be alert and of sober mind, turn to Christ and ensure your remain in prayer always and read and meditate on the Word of God to avoid any door to remain open in your life, that could be used by the devil. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name. [facebook] [retweet]