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Sunday, April 13, 2008

John 10:1-10
Jesus said, "Let me set this before you as plainly as I can.

"If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he's up to no good - a sheep rustler!

"But the shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it."

Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again.

"I'll be explicit, then. I am the gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good - sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn't listen to them. I am the gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for - will freely go in and out, and find pasture.

"A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.

The only way for any of us to know the shepherd is to let him lead. Sounds simple, but I find myself challenging him, questioning him, going in the opposite direction. That he is certain of both our destination and our path doesn't seem to matter.

But of course it matters. These are not just idle boasts by Jesus. His words are not meant to comfort me without substance. He does not intend to confuse me and then take advantage of my weakness. In spite of our skepticism he is sure of himself, and he will take me home.

A few verses later he assures me that "no one can snatch" me from his hand. I optimistically think that I cannot even remove myself from the safety of his hand. He loves me too much to let me be a fool.

I don't know if that's true; I hope it is. I know I am often a fool. I know Jesus loves me and I want to love him. Forever. And always. On the path and in the barn.

Never let me go, Lord. Your touch guides me through every thicket. I can push forward with strength and abandon. So free.



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