SCRIPTURE: John 10:1-10
“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” (John 10:7)
Who or what can help you find a full and happy life?
Be honest, not just the ‘right’ answer; what do you prioritize or desire in your heart?
Whatever it is, you are viewing that as your gateway to happiness.
Now ask yourself, does it work, does it fulfill you or burden you?
Sheep can be stupid, they can wander off, they can be misled by bad shepherds.
Jesus is saying, ‘stick with me, and you will find your hearts desire’.
True and lasting joy and happiness, or life to the full.
These are found through Jesus, but stepping into fellowship with Him.
He assures us of eternal security, deep assurance, loving acceptance, meaningful purpose.
He satisfies the deepest desires of our heart, not just with fake imitations.
A fake Rolex may fool others, and look good on your arm, but it won’t last.
Jesus is the real thing, and the life He offers lasts forever.
We were made to be anchored in God, and to enjoy life in this world WITH Him.
As long as we pursue life apart from God, we will not find it.
Jesus (not religion, not church) is the gateway to your deepest needs, dreams and desires.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, why do I keep wandering towards secondary pastures. I know they do not satisfy, but they distract me for the moment, and give me brief yet fading satisfaction.
Observation/Application
Whose voice do I listen to?
“This is the Way. Walk in it.”
The shepherd at night lay in the doorway to guard his sheep. Only His sheep could enter because they were His. The predators had to get past the shepherd. Only those who belonged to Him were in the sheep fold and were protected by Him.
And today – whose voice do I listen to to direct my pilgrimage? As a small child.listening to the Story once again, I must shout out that Jesus is the answer. Remember the children’s stories told in church? And the answer to the question for the little children was – – – -Jesus!
That too needs to be my answer this day and always. Jesus is my Saviour – My Shepherd – My Protecter – My Guide.
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity.