The meaning of our door

It’s a weird title for a blog post isn’t it? Well, I just want to explain a little bit about why our door is turning out the way it is. Yes, it’s cute, but that is just a bonus. There is actual significance for us in the design and I just wanted to share it with you.

Our entire entry will eventually be warm and welcoming, but until we get bars up on the porch I am limited in what I can do. However, our front door is the main focal point, so why not focus on that first anyway?

I wanted a way for our house to both blend in, but also have a few unique features. So, if someone is ever looking for Jonathan, it’s easy enough for the neighbors to point out the Pastor’s house and it be unmistakable; without being out of place. Thus the two tone door. But wait! There is more!

Our design actually began with the red door frame. In Exodus 12 the Passover is taking place. The Israelites are told to kill a lamb and put its blood on the posts and lintel of the door of their homes. The Angel of Death would then pass over and the life of the firstborn would be spared. It is the symbolism of this that I appreciate. I thought it would be neat to have the markings on our door frame as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us. He was/is/always will be the Passover lamb and it is by his blood that our sins are forgiven. After discussing this with Jonathan, we both liked the idea of having the red on the frame, but instead of just a few strokes, we decided to paint the whole thing red. It is less abrasive and we are completely covered by the blood, so why not completely cover the door frame?

The red on the actual door is just a decorative element, again, to blend in more. However, there will be a bible verse written in Spanish on the top half of the door. It is the verse in Joshua that says “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. That will also be in the red paint to tie in, but also because of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Finally, our mezuzah. I know this probably raises a lot of eyebrows, but let me explain. First, a mezuzah is a casing that contains the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) and Deut. 11:13-21. In the Torah the children of Israel are instructed “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deut. 6:9. Traditionally, Jews touch the mezuzah then kiss their hand upon entering or leaving the house. However, I strongly disagree with that custom and it is never commanded in scripture. Our mezuzah is just the casing (contains no verses) and it is neither touched nor kissed. Second, I requested it as a reminder of Adonai’s commands and the fact we are to submit to and serve him. And, it has already caused questions, which allows us a chance to witness to those who come to our door. Plus, it is reminder of my faith in a culture where there really aren’t very many of us.

We are still deciding what to do with the bottom half of the door, if anything at all. But, again, the goal is to be different without standing out like a sore thumb. And by putting such great significance into the entry of our house, we are allowing people to see who we are before they ever enter our home. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:19)

In Revelation 3:20 Scripture says: ¨Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.¨  The Lord wants a relationship with us and the door is a visual reminder of that. By creating a unique but warm and welcoming entry, we hope to make visitors feel relaxed, at peace and comfortable in our home. Some of the best ministry is done over a meal around the dining room table. If people can come in feeling at peace and welcome, then the door is open for the Lord to be felt in our home.

And that is that. Blessings and talk to you all next week.