The Keys to the Kingdom

The word “concierge” is derived from a medieval Latin term meaning “fellow slave.” The literal meaning in French translates to “keeper of the keys,” and though now corrupted in the collateral damage of modern-day consumerism, it was an accurate description of a concierge’s duties among the nobility in the Middle Ages.

It is thus fascinating that Jesus Christ identifies Himself in the same sentence as both One who keeps “the key” and One “who is holy.” The attribution of “holy” denotes divinity: “‘To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One” (Isaiah 40:25). Who is “the Holy One”? The Gospel of Luke recounts the foretelling of Christ’s birth: “That Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (1:35). What a fitting description of the Savior of the world, who is both the Son of Man and the Son of God, who was both “a bondservant” (Philippians 2:7) and “is the true God” (1 John 5:20).

It is of utmost importance for us that the King of the universe has the character of servitude. He loves to care for, to give, to provide. Traditionally, the keeper of the keys was the person who was to be the epitome of hospitality. He was in charge of the keys to each room; it was on him whom the guests relied to fulfill their every need. Indeed, Revelation 3:7 is quoted from Isaiah’s prediction concerning a servant called Eliakim, who similarly oversaw the entire “house of David” (Isaiah 22:22). That is a huge amount of responsibility. Imagine if a less than scrupulous person held that position!

But also think about this: The keys that Christ possesses are infinitely more important. He declared, “I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18). Thus, His jurisdiction is not solely over a royal house or a house of worship—but over life itself.

Praise You, Lord Jesus, that we can trust fully in Your promise to give us the key to eternal life, freely granted to all those who believe in Your name.

For Further Study: 1 Chronicles 9:22–27; Matthew 28:18; John 14:6

Key Bible Texts

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; (Revelation 3:7 KJV)