Spurgeon: June PM
* 06/15/PM
"He openeth, and no man shutteth."
--Revelation 3:7
Jesus is the keeper of the gates of paradise and before every
believing soul He setteth an open door, which no man or devil
shall be able to close against it. What joy it will be to find
that faith in Him is the golden key to the everlasting doors. My
soul, dost thou carry this key in thy bosom, or art thou
trusting to some deceitful pick-lock, which will fail thee at
last? Hear this parable of the preacher, and remember it. The
great King has made a banquet, and He has proclaimed to all the
world that none shall enter but those who bring with them the
fairest flower that blooms. The spirits of men advance to the
gate by thousands, and they bring each one the flower which he
esteems the queen of the garden; but in crowds they are driven
from the royal presence, and enter not into the festive halls.
Some bear in their hand the deadly nightshade of superstition,
or the flaunting poppies of Rome, or the hemlock of self-
righteousness, but these are not dear to the King, the bearers
are shut out of the pearly gates. My soul, hast thou gathered
the rose of Sharon? Dost thou wear the lily of the valley in thy
bosom constantly? If so, when thou comest up to the gates of
heaven thou wilt know its value, for thou hast only to show this
choicest of flowers, and the Porter will open: not for a moment
will He deny thee admission, for to that rose the Porter openeth
ever. Thou shalt find thy way with the rose of Sharon in thy
hand up to the throne of God Himself, for heaven itself
possesses nothing that excels its radiant beauty, and of all the
flowers that bloom in paradise there is none that can rival the
lily of the valley. My soul, get Calvary's blood-red rose into
thy hand by faith, by love wear it, by communion preserve it, by
daily watchfulness make it thine all in all, and thou shalt be
blessed beyond all bliss, happy beyond a dream. Jesus, be mine
for ever, my God, my heaven, my all.