The Importance Of Walls And Gates

May 2011 – Grace & Truth Magazine

The Importance Of Walls And Gates

“The wall ... is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3NIV

One of the main themes of Nehemiah is rebuilding for revival. Rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall and gates had a dual purpose – to keep God’s people close to Him while keeping the enemy away. The wall and gates were both needed, but in Jerusalem both were broken down.

The wall can be likened to biblical principles which guide the believer in his relationship to the world, while the gates represent the care taken as to what should be let in and kept out. If the wall is standing but the gates are not, while the believer may look protected, as the enemy gets closer the unguarded openings allow easy entrance. If the wall is down but the gates are standing, the enemy can enter easily as long as the gates are avoided.

Years ago in New Jersey, I observed two examples of broken down walls and gates. The first was at the mansion of a very rich family. Originally a great wall surrounded the estate, and guards at the gates screened those who came and went. But then the beautiful gardens were opened to the public and the guard house was closed and the gates removed.

The second was a stately home surrounded by a crumbling wall. All that remained were two large pillars that supported a large wrought iron gate. It was humorous to see the postman enter the property by the gate while children were playing on the remains of the wall.

Maybe you know someone who is concerned about biblical principles, but careless when it comes to living by them. What about someone who makes a fuss about living right but doesn’t really know the principles in God’s Word to help him do so? It’s important to rebuild both the walls and gates in our lives, as this is what leads to revival.

By Larry Ondrejack