The Keyholder

“That door is probably locked,” my logical comment as we drove up to the building. And it was.

“That’s okay; I have the keys,” my husband responded. He unlocked the door, and we walked inside.

The one holding the keys has power and authority over that which is locked, but only if they use the right one and insert it correctly. A house key will not start a car, nor will a car key unlock a house, and neither would work if inserted upside down. Keyholders can’t choose what to open; their keys only work with what they have authority over and if they use them correctly. The Father gave Jesus all power (authority) "in heaven and in earth" (Matt 28:18).

“And I will give unto thee the keys to the kingdom of heaven. . .” Matthew 16:19a

After His ascension and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus entrusted and authorized Peter with the kingdom of heaven’s keys. The apostle boldly preached the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and God unlocked salvation’s doorway to the Jews first (Acts 2:13–42) and then to the Gentiles (Acts 10:1–45). Peter rightly used the keys and authority Jesus gave him. Thousands heard the Word, repented, and walked through salvation’s opened door, and God added believers to His family, His Church.

We have the key that unlocks our heart’s door; the key to a meaningful life is trusting and obeying Jesus. When we open the door and invite the Savior in, Jesus entrusts—commands us to go and tell the Gospel message to everyone as we daily go about our business so they, too, will know the Keyholder of life, death, and eternity.