The prayer from the Detroit pastor, at yesterday's inauguration had beautiful imagery.  That of freedom ringing from all the different mountains and hills around the U.S., which alone was a moving thought, but then how he tied that to an ushering.  The power praise has to clear a way for Jesus to come again.

I'm replacing doors in my home and have new keys.  Keys that open and close the door by the turning of my hand.   The Bible talks of Jesus having keys to hell, won when he descended there and overcame death and the grave by rising, from beaten to death - to full of life. 

I have never forgotten a conversation I had with a woman I admire and love.  This was about 23 years ago and it was our location at the time that lead her to ask me if I truly believed  Jesus was the only way.   She loved God but we differed on whether belief in Jesus alone was the key to Salvation. 

Over the years, in various circles, this thought has resurfaced.  The thinking that for Jesus to be the only way is simple-minded and naive.  When all the while, as 20 plus years has been added to my life, and with that more awareness of the darkness within my own heart... my soul only more thankfully echoes what I believe - Jesus has the only Key that fits into the darkest places and opens up into newness and light. 

His death ushered the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This light lives inside of anyone who believes.  It holds power to face and overcome darkness.  And though we experience it dimly compared to what eternal light and life will be, by grace after amazing grace, we have this gift inside to fan into flames.

The answer isn't found in a keyless door.  One that opens wide to let all in, believer and nonbelievers alike.  The miracle is found in there being someone who can open a door that was damned close.  Closed out of goodness because darkness has no place amongst the light on the other side.   Praise God for a Key!  Praise God someone has it!  Praise Jesus, that it is He who longs that not one perish on the side of death but that all believe - for it is His Key that opens doors in the hearts of anyone who hears and believes His message.  And His promise is to take us from where he's been, death and darkness - to where He is and will always be - a place of Life and Eternal Light. 

The Lord God says, 

"I am the Alpha and the Omega. 

I am the One who is, 

who always was, 

and who is coming.  

I am All-Powerful."

Revelation 1:8