Today, we gathered as one family—Ohana—young and old together, to continue our journey through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the theme of being “Restored.” We explored the significance of the walls and, more importantly, the gates of Jerusalem, as described in Nehemiah 3. These ancient gates are not just historical details; they are rich with prophetic and practical meaning for our lives today. Each gate represents a spiritual principle, a checkpoint in our journey with God, and a way to discern what we allow into our lives and what we keep out.
We began with the Sheep Gate, the entry point for sacrifices, symbolizing the necessity of reconciliation with God as the foundation of a restored life. Just as the altar was the first priority in rebuilding Jerusalem, so too must our relationship with God be the starting point for all restoration. The Fish Gate followed, reminding us that once we have received reconciliation, we are called to share what we have found with others—to be “fishers of men,” reaching out beyond our comfort to those who have yet to experience God’s grace.
The Old Gate challenged us to discern what from our past is worth preserving and what must be left behind. Not all traditions or inherited patterns are beneficial; some are anchors that hold us back, while others are rudders that guide us forward. The wisdom is in knowing the difference, holding fast to what aligns with God’s unchanging Word, and letting go of what does not.
Finally, we came to the Valley Gate, the place of testing, darkness, and growth. These valley seasons are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities for Him to accomplish something deep within us. It is in these moments—when we walk through the “gates of hell”—that our faith is refined, our character is strengthened, and we learn to trust God in ways that comfort and ease could never teach us.
Each gate is a step in the journey of restoration: reconciliation with God, sharing His love, discerning what to keep and what to release, and growing through trials. The journey does not end in the valley; there are more gates ahead, and ultimately, we return to the Sheep Gate, to the presence of the Lamb, restored and renewed.
Nehemiah 3:1-13 (ESV) — > Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. ... (continues listing the gates and those who repaired them)
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV) — > But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Matthew 4:19 (ESV) — > And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
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