St Peter's Gate



The Triple Bypass first day finish line was in Avon. My volunteer position was to secure the Rec Center parking lot, so that only patrons going to swim or workout could park there. I thought it was going to be a lazy afternoon, but I was mistaken. Children, cars, bikers were a constant stream as I moved the cones to allow cars entrance, answered questions and gave directions to people visiting the area.

My experience showed me many facets of the people I was assisting. Some were caught up in the excitement of the afternoon's experience. Others were frustrated by their lack of preparation for their pick up positions. Still others simply wanted a good parking spot in order to please their participant.

Everyone was hoping to gain entrance to the lot which was just steps away from the finish line. They expected to be let in by hoping, pleading, telling a good story or by showing the magic card. You see each of the participants was given a card for their crew allowing them special parking privileges. The mistake that many had made was not reading the directions that were printed on the back of the card telling them where their lot was located. Truth is their lot was about a half mile away. Some politely turned away. Others sighed. Some began making up excuses. But the worst were the one who got angry at me. It wasn't my fault that they hadn't read the directions and that they were in the wrong place, but it was easier to blame me than to be responsible for their actions.

I felt a bit like St Peter guarding the gate to heaven, because there were a select few who got to enter the area. They could flash their Rec Center passes, or mention working out or going swimming and the cones were moved and they were allowed in. To an outsider it might not have looked fair, but that was the requirement.

Someday it will be the same way when people are trying to get in to heaven. They will flash their card of good deeds, or explain their earthly wealth or they will blame someone else or use their position of authority, but they will be turned away because they didn't meet God's standard which is belief in Jesus, choosing to have His blood as the payment for their sin and having personal fellowship with Him.


Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

www.hearthope.org

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