The black door or the firing squad
Sunday, 12 July 2009
An Arab Chief tells the story of a spy who had been captured and sentenced to death by a general of the Persian army. The general had fallen upon a strange custom. He permitted the condemned person to make a choice. He could either face a firing squad or pass through the Big Black Door.
As the moment of execution drew near, the general ordered the spy brought before him for a short, final interview, the primary purpose of which was to receive the answer to the query: “Which shall it be… the firing squad or the Big Black Door?”
This was not an easy question, and the prisoner hesitated, but made it known that he much preferred the firing squad. Not long after, a volley of shots in the courtyard announced that the grim sentence had been fullfilled.
The general, staring at his boots, turned to his aide and said, “You see how it is with men: they always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. And yet we gave him his choice.”
“What lies beyond the Big Black Door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general, “and I’ve known only a few men brave enough to take it.” The blind leading the blind.
Isn’t it true of so many people? Jesus said it clearly that He is the way to God, the way to eternal life, joy and peace. Yet many people clinged on to what they have learnt from their parents, their teachers who were themselves taught by their own parents and teachers. The blind leading the blind.
They rather believe in evolution which claim that man comes from Ape. They would rather believe in the dumb idols made by men who sell them for a living.
They would rather take the path that lead only to eternal condemnation and hell even though someone offered them another path that promised eternal life.
They would not be open minded enough to think that perhaps there is life behind that Black Door.
It does not cost them anything. All they need to do is say “Yes to Jesus” and believe that He is the Son of God and in Him alone is the source of life. Yet, they would rather let their souls leave this world with nothing but the certainty of eternal damnation and judgement.
Only a few have faith enough to say “Jesus I believe, I want the key to eternal life that You alone can give.”
John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 3:15
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3: 16
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:19
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
