May 16, 2014 The Good Shepherd And Mothers
Friday May 16, 2014
How many mothers are the gate-keepers in their homes? They know who's coming and going and what's going on. So many times they see and hear things that make their kids think they have eyes in the back of their heads or ears that have special listening devices attached. Mothers keep track of their kids. When a child is injured or fearful they run to their mother and the sound of her voice and having her wrap her arms around them soothes, comforts, and calms them. The bond between mother and child is strong and deep and beautiful. It's a wonderful picture of God's care for those He loves.
Jesus also used the shepherds of his day and their care for sheep to show us how much he cares for us today. “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:1-10 NLT)
Just as the sheep faced dangers from thieves and robbers and predators, so there are many things that we need protection from, that threaten our well-being each day. Sheep needed a safe place to rest and the shepherd provided it, and even became the gate that kept evil out and safety within. We need the secure relationship God offers us in Jesus. That’s our spiritual home. In the safety of God’s care we can come and go freely and enjoy daily life as God planned for us. God knows that you and I face dangers every day from the devil who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy us. God's work on our behalf today is to provide protection, comfort, direction and this safe environment in which you and I can live our day with joy and freedom. God wants to give us a rich and satisfying life.
Will we receive this enjoyable and safe life within God's protection today or will we put ourselves at risk like a 6-year-old child would if they took off on their own from home, or a young lamb would that wandered off on its own. We cannot protect ourselves from the predators that lurk nearby. They are too much for us. God is calling out to each of us today, by name. Let's follow his voice and walk safely.
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