- Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 – Somebody wants you. Now if you’re single and you just got excited at that news, sorry to crush your excitement, but I’m not meaning it like that. We see here there is a thief seeking out to take some sheep. There is a thief in our story trying to take us far away from the safety of God’s flock and care. Let’s not be naïve then when it comes to those who step into our story. While we have a God, and have those that God uses in our life, that come into our care and guide us, we also have some that come in to do the opposite. Be wise then about who you let into your “sheep pen.” Watch how and where people enter into your life. Don’t live in fear of every person that steps into your story, just don’t assume everyone is there to help you in your walk. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1402
- And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16 – In our chapter, Jesus has just established that He alone is the means by which all people will find reconciliation with the Father. He is the gate and He is the Good Shepherd. Only through Jesus can we become a part of the flock of God. Now the Jews listening to Him that day would have accepted the idea that some are a part of God’s flock, and some aren’t, for they were God’s chosen people. Yet in our passage Jesus says the unthinkable to this Jewish audience…other sheep that are not of this fold are going to be brought into the flock of God. Gentiles would be allowed in, even their Roman enemies would have the ability to become a part of God’s flock. While disturbing and shocking to this crowd, this message is a message of life to us Gentiles today! Let us though embrace this message of “other sheep” even still today as we think about who is allowed to become a part of God’s flock. Maybe, like the Jews in our passage, you too have individuals or people groups that you think are unworthy of being a part of God’s people. Likely you wouldn’t actually say that, but in your heart you know that’s where you’re at. If you were honest with yourself and God and there are people you feel shouldn’t be allowed to be a part of God’s people, let today be your day of repentance of such a heart. Bring this to the Lord, ask Him to forgive and to change your heart towards that person or that people group. No one deserves to be a part of God’s flock, not even you. Each of us who have been called by name by our Good Shepherd to be a part of His flock are unworthy, but eternally blessed to be welcomed into His flock. Don’t reject someone that God is calling to Himself. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2760
Daily DEVO 