Gates

Fences are worth little if there is no gate. Gates are useful and necessary to allow animals and humans to come and go from the field. The gate is the entrance and exit. It is the way to and from.

On our farm we have many gates. Every pasture has at least one gate and often two so the sheep can be moved from one area to another easily. Some gates are closed to keep sheep out and others are open allowing the sheep to enter. The sheep often rub their backs on the gates as they move through. The shepherd moves the sheep to the pasture that has had time to grow and gives the eaten down pasture a chance to catch up. It wouldn't be possible without gates.

In the Bible the gate often represents the way to God and heaven. We must pass through the narrow gate by living a life that follows Jesus. His path is narrow and worn. Often the cities in the Bible had gates to protect them from enemies. The shepherds themselves served as gates and would lay down across the opening if there was no gate to close, keeping the sheep safely inside and guarding against predators. Similar to the shepherds, the gatekeepers for the Temple guarded all entrances. They were honest, and trustworthy and they protected the Lord's house and all that was there.

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name" (Psalm 100:4 NIV).