English Devotion - Sheep Gate

Nehemiah 3:1 &32

Sheep Gate

There are gates we have opened and allowed the enemy to build a stronghold within us.  As we journey through the gates of Nehemiah, let us examine ourselves and fortify our spiritual walls

The gates of a city were very significant. The gates were shut at nightfall (Joshua 2:5)

 

There were 42 groups of people working on specific areas of the wall so everybody could play a part, priests, leaders, craftsmen and even Jews from other cities.

There were 10 gates mentioned in the rebuilding of the walls but the rebuilding work of the walls began with the repair of the Sheep Gate and the adjoining walls.

Each gate that was built has its own practical function. But they also have a spiritual significance.

The sheep gate give us a better understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

This was the first gate to be restored, and it was rebuilt by the High Priest and his fellow priests, because it was used for bringing in sacrifices for the temple.

It was called the Sheep Gate because it was the entrance for sheep entering into the Temple compound from the sheep markets and the sheep pool, where sheep were washed for sacrifice.

John 1:26 , 29 says, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, so the sheep gate reminds us of his sacrifice and our salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross.

Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep…whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. (John 10:7, 1 NIV)

 

Sheep gate originated from the practice of shepherds who tent at night to keep them from wandering and getting lost.

The sheep inside the walls would be kept safe from wolves and thieves who tried to break in and steal them.

 

A watchman would guard the opening all night long. There is only one entrance for entry and exit. Thus, the sheep is secure.

 

The Sheep Gate is mentioned at the start and end of the chapter, so it means everything starts and ends with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

It’s all about Jesus and His finished work on the cross!

Today, we are no longer called to offer up animals as sacrifices for worship, but we are called to offer our lives instead (Romans 12:1)

Jesus entered Temple Mount through Sheep Gate and also led to Golgotha, the path Jesus took to the sight of crucifixion.

 

Repairing the walls first shows us how important it is to set our priorities right and keep our focus.

The heart of life in Jerusalem is the worship of God, so by building this gate first Nehemiah sets the tone to state that their priority is the worship of God.

 

This gate had no bolts or bars so this means salvation is freely available to everyone who enters through it.

It is built by the High Priest and Jesus is our High Priest and His death opens the way for us and restores free access to the Father.

Just as the Israelites knew there were walls that needed to be repaired for proper worship, there are walls in our lives that have been destroyed by sin that need to be repaired before we can offer our lives completely for worship.

These walls must first be rebuilt before our lives can be offered as a proper sacrifice to the Lord.

Let's think through, what sin in your life is keeping you from presenting your body as a sacrifice to God and how can we ensure that sincere worship of God remains at the heart of all we are and do.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help up to rebuild our life so that we will live as a living sacrifice for you. Restore us from our sinful ways so that we can freely enter the gate of salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.