Bursting Through the Gates

I grew up in a family of hunters. My grandfather hunted. My dad, uncles, brothers, and cousins were all hunters. Some still hunt today. Whatever hunting season is open, chance are great that I have family out participating in the hunt. I hunt on a daily basis. Every morning I hunt for my glasses. I hunt for my shoes. I hunt for … well, you get the picture.
One animal hunted on a regular basis was raccoon. They had to rely on their dogs to sniff them out and “tree them.” My grandfather had a kennel full of coon hounds. He raised and trained red tics, blue tics and any other colored tic imaginable. He had one standing rule: Always keep the gates closed.
Gates served a function in walls and pens. They allowed in what the gate wanted in, and allowed out what the gate wanted out. When the gate is closed, it keeps in what was inside and keeps out what is outside.
In ancient times, gates served a major function to the city. Many large cities were walled for defensive purposes, thus the gate was the only way into the town. The gates by which they were entered were the principal places for holding courts, transacting business, and deliberating on public matters. Thus, gates were also a place for gatherings.
In times of warfare, the gate became the heaviest fortified part of the wall. That is where the armies would gather before they exited the city to begin their conquest. As an opposing force, getting into the city through the gates was a virtual impossibility. Not only did they have to try to get through the waiting army, the gates had various defensive mechanisms and units guarding it.
Jesus spoke of certain gates attempting to stop or overcome His precious treasure, the church, when he stated, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18 NASB). The gates would not be able to overpower the church that Jesus builds. At the same time, these gates will not be able to keep Jesus out, “. . .a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (Matthew 16:18c MSG) Jesus will build a church that can not be stopped.
Jesus promises to build the church. This promise is not given to mean that He will build it, and then leave. Nor should it be inferred that He has stopped building the church. As long as there are people on this earth, Jesus will continue to add to His church. Thus, continually building His church.
His church will burst through the gates. It will run with a purpose. It will continue to grow and spread. Will you sit idly by or will you burst through the gates with it?