Devotional 4-11-08

Read Psalm 23 and John 10: 1-10

The Gatekeepers

In the gospel passage, Jesus uses a pastoral image to describe his leadership style. His audience was not unfamiliar with this imagery because they knew from Psalm 23 that “the Lord is my shepherd.”

Think about what it means to lead like a shepherd.

I imagine that a shepherd cares for the flock; tends them, feeds them, makes sure that all their needs are cared for. He uses his rod and staff to keep them together. If one of the sheep veers away, he can bring them back. The shepherd saves the sheep from danger. It was comforting to the psalmist and it is comforting to me to know that in the darkest of times, God cares for us. God cares.

But it is not all up to the shepherd; we have a responsibility, too. Jesus also talks about the gate. The shepherd enters by the gate, and the sheep know who he is by the sound of his voice. How does he get in the gate? The gatekeeper opens the door for him.

Who are the gatekeepers in your church? Who opens the door for Jesus, so that Jesus can come in by the gate and care for the flock? Do people hear Jesus in your church, and recognize him?

What are the ways you can be the gatekeeper, to open the door for Jesus?

Being the gatekeeper is an awesome responsibility. You can be the one who opens the door for Jesus. On the other hand, you can be the one who keeps him out.

Dear God: Help us to be graceful gatekeepers, who always open the door for Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Jeff Taylor