In ancient times, a city was protected by strong, sturdy, and tall walls, with huge gates. Few soldiers would be needed to open or close the gates. Even with the strong walls and gates, the enemy could get in through breaches or bribing the sentry guards. Nehemiah built the Jerusalem walls and refitted the ten gates in a record time of 52 days. (Nehemiah 3) Charles H Spurgeon states the names of gates are indicative of a person’s spiritual journey, as recorded by the Holy Spirit.
1.Sheep gate: Lord Jesus Christ is the gate. (John 10:9) A person’s spiritual journey begins by entering this gate.
2.Fish gate: A believer is called to serve the Lord by offering himself as a living sacrifice.
3.Old Gate: The Old Gate indicates the unchanging commandments of God and his eternal ways. (Psalms 19:9-11)
4.Valley gate: Followers of the Lord are humble and walk through the valleys to conquer peaks.
5.Refuse/Dung gate: A disciple must be cleansed by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pollution is caused by sins of omission, negligence, lethargy, and laziness.
6.Fountain gate: This indicates the renewal and revival by walking in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16-17)
7.Watergate: Being immersed, filled, and renewed by meditation of the Word of God daily. (Psalms 1:1-3)
8.Horse gate: As long as a believer lives on this earth, will be engaged in spiritual warfare. Our struggle and warfare are against the principalities and powers of Satan and his demons. (Ephesians 6:12)
9.East gate: The Eastern gate facing Mount Olives was shut by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1540-41 to prevent the Jewish Messiah from entering Jerusalem. It has been shut for over 500 years; bible scholars think that it is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 44:1-2) The gate will be open when the Lord comes.
10.Miphkad gate: This is about judgment. Believers are not condemned but their life, legacy, and work would be tested with fire. (I Corinthians 3:13) Doing works that give eternal dividends is essential.
Am I in the right direction of my spiritual life?