The central post office in a large Czech Republic city has a very unusual, fully operational elevator. It has no doors! Yes, that’s correct. No doors. One observer refers to it as the Paternoster of Death. He took a video for you to enjoy.
There may also be Paternosters in other Eastern European cities. Howdoesit work, you might ask? When entering the main floor on street level, the “lift” is to your right. There are two constantly revolving elevator cars. They are on a four-story vertical track similar to a miniature Ferris wheel which you’ll find at Chuck E Cheese or in a Tulsa mall.
The two cars are separated by a certain distance on the track. Depending upon the direction you wish to go, you’ll wait at one of the two openings. When the elevator car going in your desired direction arrives, hurriedly step aboard when it fills the opening. No lights or bells, nor floor numbers. Step to the back, please.
If you mistakenly go down rather than up, stay in the car. Don’t try getting off! It will return to the first floor, but don’t get off yet! The car will enter into darkness. Stay back! Don’t touch anything!
Your car will make a round trip inside the shaft. You’ll be safely taken to the upper floors. Confusing? Check out the video. There may still be some Paternosters in Europe, but some were modified. They will now have doors. (Something about safety concerns. Hmmm!)
In John’s Gospel Jesus makes seven “I am” claims. You may know them. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” ( John 6:35), “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12), “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), “I am the Resurrection and the Life” ( John 11:25), “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” ( John 14:6), “I am the True Vine” ( John 15:1).
Jesus made another “I am” claim in John 10:7-10. Please read it in your own Bible. Jesus says, “I am the Door.” Your translation might say “I am the Gate.”
Not all those who have business with the sheep have the sheep’s best interest at heart. They only steal and kill. Does that sound a bit like Satan? You may remember some destructive cults: Jim Jones, David Koresch, and a variety of other false religions. These men, and some women, have taken the weak and ignorant into hell.
You can ride an elevator without doors, but is Jesus your Door to life? Only He can give you eternal life.