JESUS SPEAKING
Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10: 7-10.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
In the days of Jesus shepherding was a very common profession. A good shepherd would effortlessly love and care for his sheep. Most shepherds were continually concerned with feeding and watering their livestock; they also fended off hungry predators, and made sure to keep the sheep free from dangerous parasites. Over time, the sheep would come to trust in and rely upon the one who guided them and loved them. After many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need to rest; he would return home and put his animals in a pen where he knew they would be safe; the pen prevented them from wandering off; it also protected them from hungry predators. Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to gather together his sheep, and to lead them to safety. The sheep pen is an illustration that represents heaven; a place free from predators, where all of God’s children will one day dwell safely in peace. The Lord also proclaimed that there is just one way to enter the Kingdom of God. Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ can truly be saved.
Today, flying is a common mode of transportation. In recent years, many terrorists have utilized airplanes to commit atrocious acts of violence against many innocent people. In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become appropriately severe. There is only one way in, and one way out. Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must have proper identification. No license, or government identification, means no entry. This rule is without exception (a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit.) God’s kingdom is similar in many respects. There is one way to enter; only those who have faith in Jesus Christ can be admitted. If someone has been a kind and generous person for 85 years, but is not a child of God, they lack the proper identification. No non-believing Buddhist, Muslim, atheist, or agnostic, for example will be allowed entry; for they lack the one thing needed to fellowship with the Eternal Father; his one and only Son.
Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’ He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life. Many have heard his words and have received Him. Still many others have rejected him entirely. Despite the differences between them, the faithful and the unfaithful share in this; they will both one day stand at the gate; however, only those who called Jesus master and Lord will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to continue in the faith. We have come to trust in You fully; lead us Lord; teach us; provide for all of our needs. May we be Your sheep, and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived. Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 