Day 19 - Your Door, Place, and Resource | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 10:7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Shepherds and sheep are bound together by purpose. Jesus publicly self-identified as a Shepherd. He didn't publicly identify as a King or a Ruler, though he is both. The “shepherd” title would be meaningless without the association with sheep. Jesus and His people are one. Those of us who serve as under-shepherds or pastors have the same mindset. God always intended Jesus and His chosen servants to care for God's people, “And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” (Jeremiah 3:15)
People often read verse 10 out of context. Abundant life and avoiding the conditions that steal, kill, and destroy is related to being shepherded, both by Jesus and by those He has sent. People who lack relationship with Christ and lack spiritual covering by His chosen under-shepherds miss out on significant blessings. They become exposed to dangers that can be either avoided or minimized.
Jesus gave his life for us in death, burial, and resurrection. Pastors give their lives in service and sacrifice for God's people. Jesus is the “door to the sheepfold.” He is your Place of resource. He is your Source of abundant life.
Reflection Question: How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? How would you describe your relationship with your pastor?
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