Wednesday, September 13, 2017

The Fob

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in
heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (
Matthew 16:19)

How convenient is life getting?

In the days of old if you carried a lot keys on a keyring you were mockingly called a “super” or a superintendent; one who maintains a building with tenants. This job required 24-hour monitoring. If something broke, heat failed or pipes burst the superintendent quickly came to the rescue. See, he had the keys to all the apartments, to the furnace room and if you lived in the Bronx, he also had the key that opened the roof exit door. Hence, he carried all the keys that amounted to quite some weight on his belt.

Nowadays we barely use keys. At least not the old fashioned brass or nickel keys that jingled.

When I leave my house I walk right up to my car and the door opens automatically. My key is now called a fob and it authorizes and identifies me as the owner.

I arrive at church and likewise my access is granted via a fob.

This easy access caused me to think today. My battery is dying on my car fob. I realized that this easy access has become so “normal” for me that I forgot that these fobs are just another way to gain access. Convenient yes, but nevertheless a key.

I expect to swipe my fob and immediately get access. I have even become impatient if my first swipe doesn’t open the door. Keys are a privilege and should not be taken for granted.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus asks his disciples,
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (v.13)

He further asks, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (v.15-16)

"Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.  
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; 
whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, 
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
”Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah." 
(John 16:17-20)

Access by the One who can give authority, the One who holds the KEYS has been granted to Peter, to the disciples and actually to all believers.

Jesus made it clear that the Kingdom of Heaven was present. He gave many proofs, even miraculous healing so that the “crowd” would see the Father. 
 He wanted to exhibit his Love for the World. He loved the Jew, the Samaritan, the wealthy, the healthy, the cripple and even the thief on the cross. 

Jesus holds the Key to life and death. 
 He is the access, the door, the way, the truth and the life. (John 12:6)

He offers the keys to us and beckons to do likewise. 
Share it, live it, make it beautifully contagious. 
 Preach the gospel to all creation. (Mark 16:15)

When I arrive home, I press a few digits and once again I have access to my home.

Keys give access. But, like my experience today, let’s not get so comfortable that we forget the access given in the name of convenience is still is key, still unlocking closed doors and granting access.

Like the superintendent Jesus has access, ACCESS TO ALL. 
He can fix the broken, give us access to the Father and quickly come to our rescue when we call him. He is the Authority and we have the privilege to identify ourselves with him.

If you have placed your trust in the Lord Jesus and know what it is to be forgiven and set free, share it today! If you don’t know the Love of God, Jesus who laid down his life for all to have access to the Father, call on him today. He is the life-giver, the Key to Salvation!

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. (John 14:6)

JESUS IS THE KEY.

My car key fob is a square little piece of plastic. What I did not know and quickly learned is that inside this plastic tool is an actual key. A small key that can eject out of the fob in the event the battery dies.

Ok, we are back to the key. One access - one way!

God bless you!~Liz

CHANGE, WELCOME IT!

 Acts 9:32-34 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas,...