Daily EncouragementSample

Few visions can be more encouraging than this - “a door standing open in heaven.”

Heaven’s open door means that access is available to us, whatever the circumstances. John “on the island of Patmos,” others today who are suffering for the gospel’s sake and most of us in comparatively easy circumstances, are living under an open heaven. If Nehemiah, standing before an earthly monarch, had immediate access to the heavenly throne-room - “Then I prayed to the God of heaven” (Neh. 2:4) - how much more do we, who “through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Rom. 5:1-2).

Heaven’s open door speaks of authority which is able to act on our behalf where we may be. The door opens on to a throne. The Authorized Version puts it vividly - “Behold a door . . . behold a throne.” The open door speaks of heaven’s potential action, as well as the access available to believing hearts. “Heaven rules” (Dan. 4:26). Its throne is not hindered by Daniel’s lions, or the sea around Patmos, or rulers who oppose the saints - rather, it controls them all.

Heaven’s open door gives assurance of grace and glory when in the darkest hour. “Look,” said Stephen, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56).