But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:9-13)
Motivational speakers say things like, “When the door is shut, break it down!” That might work in some natural situations in life, but when God shuts the door, you cannot break it, bust it, or beat it open. When God shuts the door, you want to be on the right side because wherever you are is where you’ll stay.
In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus said the wise virgins, who were ready for the bridegroom’s return, went into the marriage celebration. The unwise, who were not ready were shut out. It sounds a lot like what happened with Noah.
Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He preached for over 100 years and didn’t get one convert! But Noah didn’t stop obeying God. He kept telling the people of his day that it was going to rain, but no one listened until water started falling from the sky. Before that day, God watered the earth from underground sources. No one had ever seen water fall from the sky. Can you imagine their shock? By the time the water got up to their knees, people were probably banging on the ark’s door, yelling, “Noah, we’re sorry we didn’t believe you. Please let us in.” Noah didn’t shut the door to the ark and Noah couldn’t open it.
The door is still open. God is still offering mercy, forgiveness, and new life to those who call upon the name of Jesus, but one day, that door will shut.
Practical Application
Tell everyone you know the truth about Jesus. You don’t know when the door may shut for them. They may not believe you, but don’t let that discourage you. Remember, Noah was a preacher of righteousness and no one believed him—until it was too late!