Episode Details

When God Closes a Door

Today’s Reading

Isaiah 18–22. You can read these chapters at

BibleGateway.

Overview

In these chapters Isaiah delivers strong words for several nations that surround God’s people.
He speaks to Ethiopia, Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. He also turns his attention to Jerusalem
itself. The message is clear. The Lord is not only the God of Israel. He rules over every kingdom,
and he uses history to carry out his purposes.

Egypt’s power will fade. Babylon’s idols will fall. Even Judah’s leaders come under judgment
when they trust in walls and water systems instead of in the living God. At the same time, there
are bright glimpses of hope. God promises that one day Egypt, Assyria and Israel will worship
him together. The Lord is able to humble nations and also heal them.

Isaiah 22 and a Tale of Two Men

Isaiah 22 focuses on the “valley of vision,” the city of Jerusalem. The people see danger coming,
but instead of humbling themselves before God, they throw parties and say, “Eat and drink,
tomorrow we will die.” The Lord called them to mourning. They chose distraction.

Then we meet two men. Shebna is a proud official who uses his position to build a grand tomb and
honor himself. Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, is called “my servant.” To him God gives real authority.
The Lord says that the key to the house of David will rest on his shoulder. What he opens no one can
shut, and what he shuts no one can open. That language ultimately points to Jesus, the one who holds
the key of David and has final authority over every door in our lives.

When God Closes a Door

In the episode we talked about how God sometimes closes doors that we wanted to walk through.
That can be painful and confusing. It can feel like failure or rejection. However, the picture in
Isaiah reminds us that the Lord sees more than we do. He closes some doors to protect us, to
redirect us or to keep us from a path that would drain our lives.

Closed doors are not lost opportunities, beloved. They are part of God’s guidance. The better
prayer is not “Why is this door shut,” but “Lord, lead me to the open door you have prepared.”
Through that door we find real blessing, deeper growth and service that honors him. When God closes
a door, he is never finished. He is moving us toward something better, even when we cannot see it yet.

On This Date in Church History

In this episode we looked at several moments from November 14. We remembered the Byzantine emperor
Justinian and his lasting influence on worship and law. We heard about hymn writer William Cowper and
his partnership with John Newton that produced the Olney Hymns. We also mentioned the early
services that would eventually lead to the Washington National Cathedral. You can learn more about
these stories at resources such as the articles on Justinian, William Cowper, and the Washington National Cathedral.

Links Mentioned On the Show

Episode 38 of “L