photo taken of household doors in Vernazzo, Italy in the summer of 2009
"Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Matthew 25: 11-12
The door is a place of peculiar sanctity and importance. The difference between the outside and the inside is that of two different worlds. In large houses the door-keeper sits at the entrance to answer inquiries and conduct visitors within, and at night he sleeps in a small room within the entrance at the side of the door, keeping guard over the premises. He is charged with the protection of the family. In smaller homes, a servant or family member calls out, "Who is it" If the visitor be a well-known friend, he exclaims, "It is I!" or "Open." The recognized tone of the voice is sufficient and no name is given.
When knocking at a door, an individual did not give their name because it was felt that an impostor or thief might try to gain access by using the name of a family friend. The voice of the one wanting to enter had to be recognized. This was a well-known custom anciently. So in the parable of the foolish virgins, when the Lord says, "I know you not, " he is saying that he does not recognize the virgin's voices. There hadn't been enough geniune interaction that their voices would be familiar.
The door would remain closed. This is quite sobering to think about the importance of having geniune interaction with the Lord that not only He recognize our voice, but we recognize His.
One more example, when the Savior was walking on water in the dark of night, He replied to the disciples' query "It is I" and not "It's me, Jesus." He expected them to recognize His voice.
My wife is currently reading the book, "Beloved Bridegroom" by Donna Nielsen. This was a part of the book that she read to me. I thought it was important to post.
When knocking at a door, an individual did not give their name because it was felt that an impostor or thief might try to gain access by using the name of a family friend. The voice of the one wanting to enter had to be recognized. This was a well-known custom anciently. So in the parable of the foolish virgins, when the Lord says, "I know you not, " he is saying that he does not recognize the virgin's voices. There hadn't been enough geniune interaction that their voices would be familiar.
The door would remain closed. This is quite sobering to think about the importance of having geniune interaction with the Lord that not only He recognize our voice, but we recognize His.
One more example, when the Savior was walking on water in the dark of night, He replied to the disciples' query "It is I" and not "It's me, Jesus." He expected them to recognize His voice.
My wife is currently reading the book, "Beloved Bridegroom" by Donna Nielsen. This was a part of the book that she read to me. I thought it was important to post.
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Kelsey and I both loved this. Hope it's ok if we share this on our blog as well.
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