It's Open

“Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:” (Ps 118:19 AV)

In context, these gates are more than likely, the gates to the city of Jerusalem; also known as the city of righteousness.  Some attempt to make these gates the gates of the tabernacle or temple.  But neither had gates.  The writer wishes to enter the city to then attend the Tabernacle or the temple for worship.  There are several things to be observed here.  First, the gates cannot be opened by those wishing to enter.  They must be opened by someone who had the ability and authority to do so.  Otherwise, there would not have been a request from the writer.  If he had the ability to open the gates, he would not have asked they be opened.  Second, the writer promises to enter through the gates if they are opened by someone from the inside.  Thirdly, he desires to praise the LORD and he believes the only proper way to do that is through the gates of righteousness.  Although this psalm regards the Old Testament Tabernacle or Temple, there is a point to be made here.  If and when the LORD opens the way of righteousness, will we enter?

In our passage, there doesn’t seem to be an either-or choice.  In other words, our writer is not seeking an alternative and if the gates are not opened, he will simply go the way of unrighteousness.  His desire is focused on one way, and one way only.  There seems also to be the possibility that even when the gates of righteousness are opened, faith to some degree, would be required.  He knows what lies on the other side of the gates.  He knows when the gates are opened, he would only have one choice.  A desire for opened gates suggests an obligation to go through those gates.  Asking and receiving means obeying.  Our writer sees what is behind him and around him.  He gazes upon the closed gates.  He compares his present situation and the life he would have if the gates were opened.  He makes the decision his life would be far better within the gates of righteousness.  Once there, his life would be defined by the praise that he can offer to God, who answered his prayer.

May sinners and saints come to the end of a life of sin and desire the righteousness of God.  It is by the shed blood of Christ these gates are opened.  Someone with the ability and authority to make a way for righteousness did so by way of Calvary.  The gate of righteousness has been opened by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the word of God.  We know what righteousness looks like.  We know where to find it.  We have the power to walk in the way of it.  The gates are opened by a power greater than ourselves.  What we lack is desire.  These doors are wide open.  There is no mystery.  There is no hidden wisdom.  There are no complicated steps.  The worshipper stands without the gates and knows the only reason they are closed is because we have closed them.  Only when the penitent comes to the end of his road and sees no other option for a life of praise and blessing, will he ask the gates to be opened once again.  The choice is ours.  Do we want the gates to be opened?  If they are, will we walk through them?  The ball is in our court.