Knocking On the Door

We did a little better this weekend in the Saturday night "Heads-Up" tournament at The Red Barn -- in the winners' bracket for awhile, before ending the evening 2-2.

But we were struck by one moment when the Tournament Director turned to us for a comment. The jukebox at the club was playing the Bob Dylan rock classic, "Knocking on Heaven's Door."

"I don't just want to knock on heaven's door when I die," the director said. (He's the man trying to walk a Christian path, and having mixed results so far.)

There are several ways to look at that line. The song's context shows it's said by someone about to die. That's a traditional view of entering heaven -- but you may be surprised to discover it's not the Biblical view.

No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. -- John 3:13

Jesus said these words -- and since He came from heaven to walk the Earth (Philippians 2:5-8), He should know this topic pretty well.

We answered the Tournament Director by changing the subject a bit. "When you pray, you're knocking on Heaven's door." In fact, it's like a phone line to the throne of God. But we need to pray in the name of Jesus.

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. -- John 14:13-14

Talk about a great offer! But why pray in Jesus's name? Because He also said....

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. -- John 10:9 (KJV)

Here's hoping you're "knocking on the door" of final tables and poker wins soon. But more importantly, we hope you'll approach the heavenly "door" -- to find help with the spiritual things which matter most.