Friday, May 5, 2006
John 10:7,9 So Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep . . . If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture."
I AM THE DOOR
Jesus once said, "I am the Good Shepherd." Not just one good shepherd of many, but THE ultimate Shepherd, THE Good Shepherd. Here Jesus says, "I am THE door." Not just one door of many, but THE ultimate door -- THE one and only door for the sheep.
In Israel at the time of Jesus, shepherds would watch over their grazing sheep during the day and then lead them to a pen for safety during the night. A good pen might have high walls made of stone and with heavy thorns growing on top of them. The only way into the sheep pen was through a single doorway built into the corner of the structure. And at this door a door-keeper stood guard throughout the night. Those sheep who were led into the pen were protected through the night. And when the night was over, the shepherd would come again and bring the sheep to green pastures and still cool waters.
Dear Christian, the world outside Christ rages, wishing to claw its way to you. But in Christ you will be safe through this life, and even through the dark night of death. And when morning comes you will see your Shepherd at the gate. And know, my friend in Christ, this is one story where the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence.
