Repairing the Gates

Last Sunday, the Spirit of God led us to pray from the backdrop of the historical account of a massive restoration project in Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the Jewish people took on the daunting task of rebuilding and repairing the walls and gates that surrounded this great city.

Since we were sent to Harrisburg, over eight years ago, to rebuild, restore and renew hearts and homes, we believe that we have a similar assignment. However, we believe that it’s our hearts and homes that need their walls and gates repaired. During this season of fasting and prayer, this is where we are concentrating our efforts.

Proverbs 4:23 (Amplified) declares: Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs (issues) of life.

Whatever is in your heart depends upon what has been allowed to come in through your gates over the years of your life. Whatever flows out of your heart, (your view of life) depends on how your heart has been guarded.

There were ten gates that were embedded in strategic points along the walls of Jerusalem and each gate had a very specific purpose. Each gate holds a profound prophetic meaning for our families. Therefore, we are taking the time to look at each gate, understand its purpose, and then pray about how each gate is supposed to guard our hearts and homes.

Last Sunday, we started praying about the repairs of the sheep gate and the fish gate.

First, the sheep gate was the place where sheep and lamb were brought into the city and taken to the temple to be used in the temple sacrifices. This gate symbolizes the place where Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb, comes into our hearts and homes. This gate must be repaired and restored because it means we are establishing this one prevailing truth for our families; Jesus Christ is our ONLY savior and Lord. He must be welcomed into our hearts and homes to cleanse us and deliver us.  We must accept the truth that Jesus is the only salvation of our lives. If this gate is broken down, we will believe that there is some other way to find deliverance, freedom and success.

The President, Governor and Mayor cannot deliver us. The business community cannot deliver us. Education is beneficial, but it is not the thing that will deliver us. This gate has been destroyed in many hearts and homes and most people do not see Jesus Christ as the answer for themselves or their family. But today, we restore the sheep gate. Jesus is the answer for our families and communities.

Then we looked at the fish gate. This was the entrance for fishermen to bring in their catch. This gate symbolizes the place where we see the importance of our roles as fishermen. Jesus told his disciples, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Spiritual fishermen understand the importance of using lure and bait to catch fish. They understand the timing of fishing. There are certain times of the day that fish are active. They even understand when some people are caught in the net of our influence; some are like the fish that have to be thrown back into the sea, until they are ready. The Bible says, “He that wins souls is wise.”

The fish gate symbolizes the importance of living a life that lures, baits, attracts and even catches people to come into the Kingdom of God. The fish gate expresses the priority of the Kingdom agenda for our lives. In a time when many people work and live only for themselves and personal survival, the fish gate symbolizes this new value of living for a purpose greater than our own. Today, we restore the fish gate. We follow Jesus so that He can make us fishers of men.

Next week, we’ll continue our journey around the wall and begin making repairs to other gates that surround our lives. Every gate that has been destroyed means that we have been allowing things that are the opposite of what God intended for us. We have been open to concepts and ideas that are against God and His ways. We have believed lies and followed philosophies that have led us to destruction. So let’s get these gates repaired as we gather in prayer each week.