Today’s Reading:
John 10:1-16 (v. 10)
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (v. 10 KJV)
Jesus always uses the scenery of occupation, and events of His days to explain issues of life to His listening crowd. Usually at night sheep were gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from thieves, harsh weather or wild animals. The sheepfolds were either caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd then sleeps across the gateway created in order to protect the sheep. The shepherd cares for the sheep as if they are his life. Just as the shepherd cares for his sheep, Jesus, the good Shepherd cares for His flock (v. 11) These are those who follow him, who believe in him, who are called by His name.
As the shepherd functions as a gate in the sheepfold letting the sheep in and out to where there is green pasture, streams of water, and protecting them; likewise, Jesus is the gate to God’s salvation for His people. He offers us access to safety and security, and He protects us. Unfortunately, out of ignorance and unbelief, some people resist Him as the gateway to the presence of God. Whereas, the Scriptures made us to understand that He is the only begotten Son of God, and Jesus himself told us He is the only gate to the Father. Jesus is both God and man. By uniting our lives with his, He unites us to God. By His death and resurrection, He reconciles with God. This is how we know that Jesus is the only way to God. Why then should we look for other ways or fashion other ways to God? We should believe, trust in, and have faith in him that He will take us to the Father. And we will have peace and all the benefits of being children of God will be ours.
In contrast to the thief, who has come to steal, to kill and to destroy lives, Jesus gives lives in abundance, rich and full till eternity, beginning right from when we give our lives to Him. We live life in Christ on a higher plane because of His overflowing love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, protection, guidance, and provision. The hirelings keep the sheep for pay, whereas, we are the sheep of His pasture; he owns us, loves us and so is committed to us and laid down His life to save us. He wants us to live a satisfying and comforting life. Jesus being the only gate to God the Father indicates that, there are other gates - false teachers and false prophets who are not committed, they do not care what happens to the people. They manipulate with guilt. Jesus does not hold any sword of warning or legalism that always stipulates one action or the other. Instead, he showed us the eternal Word of God as our road map to where there is good pasture (Ps 23). Following Jesus is the secret to a rich and satisfying life. But we need the gift of discernment to choose our gate, because other gates lead to a wilderness where one would not be saved but lost. It’s all barrenness, no pasture, one would be trapped.
The insight to the worldwide mission of Jesus (Mark 16:15) is that He came to save the Jews His kin, and also the other sheep – the Gentiles, and to die for the sins of the world. No one group has sole ownership to God’s blessings, Jesus can never be limited by the defences we build around ourselves.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness.
Thank you, Lord.” If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet with the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear; what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
Thank you, Father for providing a sure gateway to Your presence in Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the good Shepherd that leads to the Father. I say No! to control, manipulation, or initiation by contrary powers, in the name of Jesus.
Holy Spirit, take control, lead me, redirect my steps if I am on a wrong path, in Jesus’ name.
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power, fire, boldness and discernment. Encourage me to say No to temptation, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, increase the light of Your Word that lightens every man in our individual lives, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, give me a large faith that will hold on to You even in the face of challenges, oppression and persecution, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, let our children and grandchildren dwell in Your secret place; make them abide under the shadow of You, the Almighty, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, grant Church leaders the boldness, godly and skilful wisdom, and Your revelation in their decisions and steps to move the Church forward, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, reach out to all those in dark places of the nation, care for the dying, in Jesus’ name.
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