Enter Before the Door Closes for Good

“Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” Luke 13:25 NIV

In a story titled “Runner application window for 2024 TCS NYC Marathon opens,” it was reported that the runner application for the world famous 2024 TCS New York City Marathon opens on Wednesday. The writer went on to say that runners will only be able to apply for the non-guaranteed general entry until March 21, at 11:59 p.m., at which time the registration site will be immediately closed for good. Which means they better get their entries in on time if they want to participate in this iconic 26.2 mile race! The runners will find out if they were accepted to race on Drawing Day on March 28. The marathon kicks off on Nov. 3, where over 50,000 runners from all over the world participate. Last year, the 26.2-mile race began on Staten Island before ending at Central Park. 

And you know, the NYC Marathon isn’t the only thing that has a strict and nonnegotiable deadline to enter. The Bible tells us that there is an open narrow door that leads to eternal life, but the Bible is very clear that it will be closed for good “once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door.” All those left standing outside then will be denied entry no matter how much they knock and plead. Jesus will say to them “I don’t know you or where you come from” and there will be great weeping and gnashing of teeth. Which means a person must not put off the decision to follow Jesus because no one knows the time when He will return. 

So if you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus with your whole heart, don’t put it off for another second my friend. Jesus is the only way to the Father and you will only be able enter into His rest if you’ve accepted the gift of Salvation before the door closes. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that there will be no second chances once the door to eternal life is closed. Please cause this to fill us with a sense of urgency so great that we would be stirred to go out into the streets and invite all those who are lost to accept Jesus as their Savior before it’s too late. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!