July 25, 2023: After This An Open Door

"After this, I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." (Rev 4:1 ESV)

In the last five devotionals, we looked at the churches that received correction from Jesus. Those whom He loves, He disciplines. He disciplines us for the purpose of steering our hearts in the direction of His love. What a gracious Leader and King!
    
His message to the churches, including us, is very clear. He wants us to know what is important to Him! We are important to Him, and who we are is important to Him. What He brings to the surface of our lives is what He finds in the depths of our hearts. He does not do it to embarrass or shame us—He does it because He loves us. He wants us to have an eternity with Him. Everything He shares with the seven churches is to get us to the moment where we can share in His end-time plan!
    
Behold, a door was standing open in heaven. Our response to Jesus' discipline determines whether we stand before that open door. Our willingness to be changed by His grace determines if we get to come up there and see what must soon take place. A yes in our hearts to Jesus' leadership results in a yes in His heart to our followership!