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Day 10: John 10/Psalm 23
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Friday March 5, 2004
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“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.”
John 10:7 (New International Version)
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I Am The
Gate!
The image of Jesus as a shepherd is rather common. I recall seeing
various pictures depicting Jesus carrying a lamb or holding a shepherd
staff—images that are warm and inviting. But a gate? I have never seen
an artist’s rendition of Jesus in this way. Frankly, I just don’t have
that same warm reaction when I think about Jesus as a gate. Why did he
choose to describe himself this way? The answer lies in the analogy. In
Jesus’ day, sheep pens did not have gates, so one was formed when the
shepherd would lay across the opening of the pen; thus, any adversaries
who wanted to attack the sheep would have to cross the shepherd or
climb the walls of the pen.
Are you sensing some
adversaries? Jesus described them as thieves and robbers who are intent
on harming the sheep. Perhaps the robber comes to you in the form of an
unexpected debt that has you worrying and wondering where is God when
you need Him. Maybe the thief is showing himself by making something
look attractive that in the long run is destructive to your
relationship with Jesus. If Jesus is to be our gate, we must choose to
submit everything we see, hear, say or think to Him. He promises that
as we do this we can know His voice and discern His leading.
Today’s
prayer:
Jesus, thank you for laying you life down for me and living to
protect me from harm. Thank you for being my gate. I choose this day to
trust you with my life. Enable me to hear your voice and give me the
courage to follow your leading.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6 (New International Version)
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Further Reflection:
Psalm 23
“The Heights & Cry Mercy” (Track 9 &10) David Crowder All I
Can Say
For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
John
10
o
Psalm
23
Andy Ransdell, ransdell@cincyvineyard.com,
Director of Children & Student Ministries at VCC
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