John 10:9-10 New International Version (NIV)
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.[a] They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Thursday - May 7 - Read John 10:9-10
Notice the contrast between Jesus, the “gate,” and the thieves and robbers. They break in to “steal, kill and destroy.” Jesus is the “opening/gate” that leads to freedom and life. What is stealing, killing, or destroying you right now? An obvious issue is the coronavirus. Other issues might be bad health. Mental health issues. Family problems. Stress from working at home while trying to be a teacher. Uncertainty in farming from recent weather. Shame that you are not good enough. We could go on and on. All these things steal, kill and destroy our lives and nothing we do will ever set us free from our captivity. This is the nature of Sin. We might find temporary relief from work at the end of the day, but tomorrow is coming! Jesus sets us free. He gives us life by declaring that we are loved by God no matter what. The “gate” is the death and resurrection of Jesus. What Jesus has done is the “gate” into the freedom that God is in control and that He loves you!