We find ourselves more vulnerable and unprotected than other. We fear guns but are buying them in record numbers, if only to feel more safe!
But what do I make of the commitment that Jesus Christ had made to me. As the great shepherd, he lays himself across the gate that is the sheepfold, so that He might protect me from the cunning and violence of any who seek our demise.
And that is the basis of our Wednesday talk from John 10.
Cafe Bethel: 04.06.2016
Text: John 10:7-9
(My resources included the work of Jim Boice and others ( Zuck, Barclay, etc), but the words and the thinking out loud are mine) 🙂
The imagery revisited
If the two types of pens described earlier, are remembered, this is the second, more rural setting with mere rocks marking out the pen and the shepherd himself as the gate! In fact then, the images unfold
JESUS IS THE ONLY TRUE GATE
John 14:6
He is the gate by which sinful people can approach God the Father: Heb.10:20; Eph.2:18
THERE ARE THOSE WHO STEAL
2 types of thieves
- Kleptes: the one who steals with cunning/ stealth: This would be the devil of Genesis 3; the kind who pray upon others: 2 Tim.3:4-5
- Listes: no real English comparison: a violent guns a blazing type of theft. Rev.2:15
THE GATE IS NARROW, BUT…
The opening can be large:
No contradiction with John 6:44
From God’s perspective, no one can enter without the drawing power of God at work, but from man’s perspective, he is attracted to an offer that reaches out to him personally with no restrictions other than believe!
THE GATE IS NO MERE IMAGE BUT A REAL PERSON WHO SAVES EASILY AND INSTANTLY
WHAT’S WAITING ON THE INSIDE
SALVATION: Past, present, and future
Knowing the difference between justification, sanctification, reconciliation, and glorification.
SAFETY: In and out: Deut. 28:6; I Kings 3:7; Ps. 121:8
Finding safety in and out/ all through the country. Not under siege !
SATISFACTION:
Finding pasture: Ps.23:2-3; Phil.4:19
THAT THE THE PLEA OF MOSES MIGHT BE REALIZED!: Numbers 27:15-17
MJC
Sermon reflective 