Daily Devotion, May 20, 2020

Devotion:

Read John 10:1-10.

During my college years when classes were difficult, I sat under the shade of one of the largest trees on campus for my devotional time. While reading John 10, I sensed Christ’s presence and peace with me. In particular John 10:10b, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” gave me hope I would make it through that semester!

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at The Good Shepherd and His Sheep, Phillip Keller describes Jesus’ words in verses 7 and 9, “I am the gate for the sheep…. and I am the gate for the sheep and whoever enters by me will be saved.”

Keller writes, “A flock has both an interior life within the shelter of the sheep fold and an exterior life outside. It is by means of the doorway, through the opening of the gate, that they enjoy both ingress and egress to a fully rounded and beneficial mode of life….the person under Christ’s control will sense and know the hand of the Good Shepherd directing him or her in both areas. The person will be acutely aware that it is through Christ’s presence that it is possible to pass in and out peacefully wherever He leads us.“

The two “I AM” statements in this chapter “I AM the Good Shepherd” and “I AM the Gate”, are declarative statements of the relationship Jesus offers on our behalf. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and will give His life for His sheep. Jesus is also the Gate and under His care the sheep are protected from anyone who would destroy them and they can go and come in peace.

This is an invitation into the relationship of life with God and God’s kingdom through Jesus, who is the Good Shepherd and the Gate.  This invitation invites us into a life of peace in the full assurance of God’s presence with us.  With this invitation, we are invited into the “sheepfold” to be with others, sometimes to help and sometimes to be helped, but always to follow where the Shepherd is leading.

Personal Worship Option:

Henri Nouwen, author of “Reaching Out” describes life in Christ’s presence as the deep peace which fills the empty space between us. We are in Christ’s “sheepfold” together. Going and coming today, follow as Christ leads and be completely assured of the Good Shepherd’s care, safe-keeping and peace.