THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19 NKJV)

Although these words were spoken to the Apostle Peter, there is a profound sense in which every true disciple of Christ can exercise the power of locking and unlocking the door of faith, hope, or love to another soul. You may be aware of some one who is carrying a heavy burden, is oppressed with some over mastering dread, or is fighting some tormenting sin. You try to gain that person's confidence, endeavor to find some way of escape, promise some much needed assistance, speak words of cheer and encouragement, and in this way unlock the door of the dark prison in which he or she has been incarcerated. The manifestation of your ready sympathy and help has freed him or her. Is not this a true use of the power of the keys of the kingdom?

Or it may be some one who is suspected of evil things which are untrue. You listen carefully to the story, and endeavor to put the matter right; you take steps to bring out the purity and sincerity of motives before those who have misunderstood and misjudged.

Perhaps it is a boy or girl whose life is clouded by some entanglement from which it seems impossible to get free. By your friendly counsel and experience you are enabled to unlock the prison door and emancipate this young soul.

Look out for these opportunities of Christian service, for the life which is hidden with Christ in constant fellowship has an extraordinary power in setting free lives which are bound in chains of iron. Above all, we can point the imprisoned soul to Christ our Lord by exemplifying His love and compassion.

PRAYER

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His Blood can make the foulest clean,

His Blood avails for me.

In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.