The Spirit of God led us to teach and then pray from the story of Nehemiah, and how the Jews took on the daunting task of rebuilding and repairing the walls and gates that surrounded the great city of Jerusalem.
There were ten gates that were embedded in strategic points along the walls of Jerusalem and each gate had a very specific purpose. Each gate has a prophetic meaning for our families today. Therefore, we are taking the time to look at each gate, understand its purpose and then pray about the significance of each gate in our hearts and homes.
The Old Gate: There are two theories why this gate was called the Old Gate. It might have separated old Jerusalem from the suburb of Bezetha, which was called “New Town”.
Another theory is that it once belonged to the very ancient city of Salem, first built by Melchizedek. Regardless of where the name came from, this gate represents a foundational gate for our lives and our families.
This gate symbolizes a return to the OLD WAYS. It symbolizes the return to walking in the timeless wisdom of God. Jeremiah 6:16a declares; “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.”
Since the Old Gate has been destroyed in the eyes of millions of Americans, as a nation, we no longer understand the value of the old path. We live in an era where only the newest thing is valued. We want new philosophies, New Age beliefs, and new fashions. The focus is on youth and youthfulness. We have millions of people striving to look and feel young. We live in an era where the wisdom of age is despised.
However, Job 12:12 says, “Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.”
Look at this declaration by Elihu in Job 32:6-7, “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. I said, ‘Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
Can you imagine young people today saying this to someone in the older generation?
If our hearts and homes are going to survive and thrive, we must rebuild and restore the Old Gate, which is basically, the Word and Wisdom of God.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105
Next week, we’ll continue our journey around the wall and begin making repairs to other gates that surround our lives. Every gate that has been destroyed means that we are open to concepts and ideas that are against God and His ways. We have believed lies and followed philosophies that have led us to destruction. So let’s continue to repair these gates as we gather in prayer each week.
We close this email with this prayer for you and your family:
Father God,
We thank You for proving to be faithful to us through the Old Gate. We restore the Old Gate and receive the wisdom that goes far beyond the newest and latest fad or witty invention.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
-Chris & Carol Green
