The gates of Spiritual Progression.

Each gate speaks of the different experiences we encounter in our Christian life.

Their order and position are very specific and give us insight into the season we are in. There is a prophetic aspect as well as a personal one.

‘Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel.’ Neh 3:1

The very first gate mentioned is the sheep gate, the place where the sacrifices were brought through. If you have noticed, the whole chapter 3 of Nehemiah starts and ends with this gate (Neh. 3:1,32). This is because our Lord Jesus Christ is “the author and finisher of our faith”

(Heb. 12:2).

His Bride’s story starts with Him and ends in Him.

We start our journey here; at this gate we receive Jesus as our Lord and saviour.

He’s the sacrificial lamb foretold in this gate. He’s the doorway to the Father. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

‘ Behold, I stand at the door [of the church] and continually knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him), and he with Me.’ Rev 3:20

We then move on to the Fish Gate.

“But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.”  Nehemiah 3:3

It was called the fish gate because the fisherman of Galilee would bring their catch in through this gate to be sold

For us, it speaks of evangelism, as we have been called to be ‘fishers of men’. It should be a natural progression in our Christian life that we would want to tell others about Jesus.

When I became a Christian in 1984, I knew that I was radically changed in an instant. Just like walking into a dark room and turning on the light!

I couldn’t wait to tell others. When I did, they thought that I was crazy, that I’d got religious mania! One Christian leader told me that it was just a honeymoon period; in other words, you’ll settle into normalcy soon.

I thank God that I have never settled down into his understanding of normalcy. I learnt early on who I am in Christ: that I have power and authority; my words carry life or death.

When we surrender our lives to Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, the bible tells us that:

‘For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of God]. And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power].’ Col 2:9-10

We owe the world an encounter with God. The bible is no ordinary book!

It has the power to transform lives, to restore and transform them. To equip us and speak to us, it’s God’s love letter to this world. Faith is released as we read God’s word: faith to share good news, heal the sick and cast out demons, speak to life’s difficulties and even raise the dead. Not in our own power but in the name of Jesus. One day every knee will bow and declare that Jesus is Lord!

Your testimony is powerful; your testimony is unique, and others need to hear it. God has given you a voice; have you allowed yourself to be silenced? If so, it’s time to take it back; it’s time to get militant. The bible says: The devil is a thief and a liar, the father of lies.

‘The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].’ Jn 10:10

But when the thief is caught, it’s our job to identify his activity in our lives.

He steals our health, our peace, our finances, etc.

Then, we take it back; we demand it back with interest: ‘But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house’. Proverbs 6:31

The bible tells us that we overcome the devil by:

‘And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death.’

Rev 12:11

The only thing we can take with us when our time is up on this earth is souls. I hate the thought of those I love, or those around me, facing eternity in hell because I was too afraid to share some good news with them! I’m not saying this to bring condemnation; I’m saying this to challenge us all! Time is short; Jesus will return soon. Time to cast our nets into the deep.

‘Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.’ Jude 23

As our journey progresses, we go from the Fish Gate to the Old Gate.

Nehemiah 3:6 “Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.”

The Old Gate speaks to us of the old ways of truth.

This means learning the old ways of truth that never change.

This is what the Lord says:

“Stop at the crossroads and look around.

Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will

find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’

Jeremiah 6:16

This third gate is called the Old Gate because it is one of the original gates when the city was first built. The Fish Gate and Old Gate are very close to each other. Notice also how many people work together to build this gate. This is the gate which has the greatest number of people working together. Unity commanded blessing.

No one was paid or coerced into rebuilding the walls. They all volunteered. Sometimes we need to check our motives in the work that we do. Too many Christians today want something ‘new’ which often turns out to be just smoke and mirrors. The world wants authenticity, and they know the difference.

Paul put it this way:

‘Holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.’ 2 Timothy 3:5

It’s important to connect with a church to be part of community. The devil loves to isolate us because he knows how powerful we are together!

The good news is that God recorded all the names of those involved in rebuilding the gates. He specifically named names.

‘Then those who feared the Lord [with awe-filled reverence] spoke to one another; and the Lord paid attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who fear the Lord [with an attitude of reverence and respect] and who esteem His name.’ Mal 3:16-17

Even if no one else sees what you do for the Lord, he sees; He records it all, so don’t lose heart.

Once through the Old Gate, we reach the Valley Gate

Nehemiah 3:13 “The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.”

The first three gates are near to each other. There was a long distance between the Old Gate and the Valley Gate. I believe that the first three gates are places where we can build spiritual muscle to deal with what life throws our way.

A valley is a low area between mountains or hills. That seems to receive no sunlight. You need to have endurance when you are in a valley.

The Bible symbolises valleys as trials and hardships that every believer will encounter at some point in their life. Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this life, but to be encouraged because he had overcome it, and we could too.

In Psalm 23:4, David wrote:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

The shadow of a dog never bit anyone! Think on that.

Even if we are in the valley that has the shadow of death covering us, we should not be afraid, for the Lord is with us. The valley gate speaks to us of trials, testing and tears.

‘When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.’

Psalm 84:6

We can spend a long time at this gate, especially if our understanding of God’s word is limited or we aren’t being discipled or mentored. Remember, I said the enemy loves to isolate us. For me, it has been a place of self-discovery. I’ve had some of my greatest times, victories and breakthroughs in the valleys. We must remember we are passing through the valley of weeping, not pitching our tent and making it our home!

We often spend unnecessary time at this gate, maybe through ignorance or just plain disobedience. A whole generation went around a mountain for 40 yrs. We are meant to speak to our mountains!

The valleys, life’s trials, will build our character if we embrace the journey, not alone but with the Holy Spirit. He’s our teacher, our comforter and our advocate. When we are part of community, we can turn to others to stand with us, to pray for us and with us. It’s during this season that we need to guard our hearts and watch what comes out of our mouths!

We get to choose what fruit we will produce.

So we move on to the Dung Gate.

“But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.” Nehemiah 3:14

This fifth gate was named Dung Gate because through this gate all rubbish in the city was taken out. This gate has two purposes; it serves as the entrance and the exit of the city.

This is the gate that they would take all the refuse and rubbish out of Jerusalem, down to the valley of Hinnom to be burned. Refined by the fire, we can produce greater and better fruit. Associated with cleansing and getting rid of sin. But the benefits of this experience can be seen in the next gate.

“But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.’ Malachi 3:2-3

Once the rubbish is cleared, then the fountains begin to flow, and it doesn’t take long!

Moving forward to the Fountain Gate.

“But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.” Nehemiah 3:15

This speaks to us of the living waters of the Holy Spirit that cleanse our lives and empower us.

‘He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’ John 7:38

Intimacy with the Holy Spirit will keep you continuously filled. If we don’t stay filled, we will become stagnant, and then we attract the flies!

As we move through the gates, our next gate is the Water Gate. “Moreover, the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.” Nehemiah 3:26

I believe the water gate is a picture of the word of God and its effect in our life.

‘To make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word’. Eph 5:26,

Psalm 119: 105: ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light to my path’. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

The Holy Spirit makes the word of God come alive to us personally, allowing cleansing, encouragement and direction to take place in our lives. A place of intimacy. ‘Into me see’. Being known by Jesus.

How we need to know the word of God, especially in the times we live in today. If we are to mature in God and receive all that Jesus has provided for us, then we need to not only know the word, but know how to wield it like a sword!

As we grow in our faith and relationship with the Holy Spirit, we come to the Horse Gate.

“From above the horse gate repaired the priests, everyone over against his house.” Nehemiah 3:26

The horse gate speaks to us of warfare, as horses were used in battle and became a symbol of war.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" is found in James 4:7. Notice the sequence: submit comes first; you may need to repent, forgive, or use a certain scripture or strategy.

Spiritual warfare is a requirement of every Christian because we are all in a battle whether we know it or not.

Make sure that you are dressed properly; no sane person leaves the house naked!

‘In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. So stand firm and hold your ground, having[b]tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), and having [c]strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation[to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of

salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6

The last three Gates speak prophetically of the end times return of Jesus.

These three gates are positioned closely together.

“After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.” Nehemiah 3:29

The East Gate is east of the Temple on the opposite side of the Mount of Olives, the place where you can have a better view of the city. This is also the gate used by Jesus to enter Jerusalem after descending from the Mount of Olives while riding a donkey. Great multitudes of people also spread their garments and cut down branches of trees to spread on the path while shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Mat 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, John 12:12–19). Jesus then went straight into the Temple (Matt. 21:12).

Today, this gate is sealed by Muslims, whose goal is to prevent the return of the Messiah to Jerusalem. The closing of this East Gate is the fulfilment of Ezekiel 44:1-3.

“Then the man brought me back to the east gateway in the outer wall of the Temple area, but it was closed. And the Lord said to me, “This gate must remain closed; it will never again be opened. No one will ever open it and pass through, for the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered here. Therefore, it must always remain shut. Only the prince himself may sit inside this gateway to feast in the Lord’s presence. But he may come and go only through the entry room of the gateway.” Ezekiel 44:1-3

Jesus will return to this mount: ‘On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west. Half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south.” Zechariah 14:4

The east gate speaks of the return of Jesus Christ. For us, it speaks of our need to live with this hope and to long for His return.

“ [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).”

2 Tim 4:8

The Inspection Gate: “After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.” Nehemiah 3:31

The Hebrew word used for this gate's name is miphkad, which can be translated in many ways: "appointment, mandate, designated spot, mustering, the numbering in a census. Associated with the king meeting his troops

This gate speaks to us of the bema seat of Christ, where our lives are inspected and rewarded appropriately. A place of evaluation or judgement.

We should be living with this in mind. We are called to live with eternity in view, caring more for eternal things than the temporal things we see around us.

Finally, we have the Ephraim Gate.

“So, the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.” Neh 8:16

The bride welcomes her bridegroom!

Observations

Plan of Salvation not possible until God’s Presence Came to Earth

Short distance between Sheep Gate and Fish Gate

Long distance between Old Gate and Valley Gate

‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.’ Matthew 7:13

Long distance between Valley Gate and Refuse Gate

Refuse Gate – the turning point in our relationship with Christ

Short distance between Refuse Gate and Fountain Gate

Enter God’s presence through the Sheep Gate

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

The Sheep Gate is the only gate with no bolts and bars

Access is open to EVERYONE

The rebuilding chapter begins and ends with the Sheep Gate.

‘The Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the sheep gate.’

Neh 3:1

‘And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.’ Neh 3:32

‘But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also’.

Matthew 6:33