A safe place to find life?

Reflecting on John 10:7-10

” I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved (kept safe).” (John 10:9)

Jesus first describes Himself as a gate, the way to safety and God’s care.
The phrase ‘will be saved’ can also be interpreted ‘will be kept safe’.
While ‘saved’ is also true, ‘kept safe’ fits better with what Jesus says.
Coming into the pen through Jesus brings us into an ongoing state of blessing.
We belong to the shepherd, and He will feed us, guide us and protect us.

Jesus is a safe place for us, and for all sheep.
Even though we are slow and stupid like sheep, He perseveres with us.
Even though we are prone to wander and get in trouble, He stays with us.
He is never trying to take from us, nor is He trying to harm us.
His goal is to bring us into life to the full, the life we were made for.

There are people who pretend to be shepherds, but are thieves.
They are a gateway to loss, harm and misery… very unsafe.
I have met many victims of unsafe shepherds, many who now avoid Jesus too.
Which is so sad; my goal is to remind them that Jesus is always safe to be with.
He will gently rebuke and nudge, but He will not harm us or drive us away.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we all like sheep go astray, but You do not drive us out. You forever keep the door open, and work to restore and renew us to the full. Is our community a safe place for weak, struggling, stumbling sheep, where people can experience new life in Jesus?