Series: Rebuild The Gates [#9]
THE EAST GATE
Nehemiah 3:29
Introduction:
As we studied last week, these last 3 gates have a dual meaning- 1 that is for right now and 1 that has not yet occurred. The East Gate has been set-aside especially by God and was known by Jews for 1 particular event- The coming of the Messiah to deliver Israel in the last days. Today, this gate is known as the Golden Gate.
Nehemiah 3:29
This gate was not damaged when Nebuchadnezzar’s army conquered Jerusalem. There was no damage to repair. God’s design in this undamaged gate is to let us know that His Word and prophecies are true, and no man can mess that up.
Ezekiel 44:1-3
The Lord told Ezekiel to close this gate and seal it up until Jesus came back and entered through it. The East Gate, when it is open, provides access to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. When Jesus returns, He will return to this mountain. When His feet 1st touch the earth, it will cause a great earthquake and the Mount of Olives will split in 2. Then, Jesus will enter Jerusalem through the East Gate.
This is what we have to look forward to as Christians. Jesus is coming again. Now please understand that this is not what we consider as the Rapture. The Rapture refers to the time when the Archangel will shout, the trumpet will sound, and all of the dead in Christ will rise 1st; and then all of those Christians who are still living will rise and meet Jesus in the air.
When we talk about the Second Coming of Christ, we are talking about when His feet will touch the ground. This will take place after the 7 years of tribulation. This is the part of the promise that we are still waiting on; but there are some important things for us to consider about this Gate that apply right now.
Matthew 24:42-44
We need to be…
1. Watching.
Jesus said that we could tell that a storm was coming by watching the signs. The signs show that Jesus’ coming is soon.
2. Ready.
Only the Father knows when Jesus is coming back. We must live each moment as Jesus is coming back right now. If you are here without Christ as Savior and you are thinking well I’m going to wait just a little longer before I do this Jesus thing; I want to tell you that you may run out of time.
3. Caring.
Christians, if time is almost up; we need to be concerned about the many people who will be left behind. Until Christ comes again or takes us Home, we need to be about sharing the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ.
