TEXT
"The children of the porters" - Ezra 2:42
INTRODUCTION
When we talk of porters today, we think of those who work in hospitals. Such people are responsible for moving patients, for taking meals to patients and other important tasks. In Bible times, however, a porter had a much simpler job:
1. PORTERS HAD TO WATCH THE DOOR
Mark 13:34 "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch...Watch ye therefore...And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."
a) Watch for the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).
b) Watch for the returning Lord (Mark 13:35).
2. PORTERS HAD TO OPEN THE DOOR
John 10:3 "To him the porter openeth."
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart’s door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may.
3. PORTERS HAD TO CLOSE THE DOOR
God is the great Porter. Some day He will close the door of salvation - Genesis 7:16 & Matthew 25:10.
Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted,
Tomorrow you may call in vain.
Room and time now give to Jesus,
Soon will pass God’s day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
And thy Savior’s pleading cease.
