Devotion:
Read John 10:7-10.
In the days when Jesus was here on earth, a shepherd would sometimes construct a rock-walled enclosure into which he would guide his sheep for the night. There would be an opening at some point along that enclosure. It was there that the shepherd would lay down and sleep for the night. He literally was the gate that kept the sheep from wandering away and gave them a sense of security in which they could sleep. The shepherd was also there to protect them, not letting any predators get to them.
As Jesus often did, he used an image from everyday life to teach. In this case, this was a scene he could use to teach about himself. He is like a human gate that is there to protect the people in his care, providing a sense of security and peace in which we all can rest. He follows this up in the next verses by describing himself as “the good shepherd.” Being “the gate” was one of the responsibilities of a good shepherd.
You are invited to find rest, comfort, peace and assurance in this knowledge. I also invite you to think about those people you know who need this knowledge. They do not have that sense of peace and assurance in their life. How might you allow Christ to work in and through you to help provide them with that “peace which passes all understanding”?
Personal Worship Option:
Write down the name of at least one person who needs this knowledge and assurance in their life. Pray for them today. Ask God to reveal to you the next step you can take to help them.
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