Evening, June 15

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"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
   forever, my God, my heaven, my all.