Is it not interesting that as you read the Bible, specifically the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) depicting the life of Jesus, that the very things Jesus spoke about in the first few chapters of each book actually play out. Is it not interesting that Jesus placed a high value on the words that he chose to speak? Is it not interesting that the entire bible is simply a love story of God seeking to restore a relationship with us in order to draw nearer to us and us draw nearer to Him?

Too often we seek out this drama-like story for our lives that leave us hurt from the attempts to compare our lives to the “reality” we see on television. Too often we desire heartbreak and become furious when the very thing we sought out actually comes to pass. It is truly insanity. See the thing is, this drama we seek, and this longing to be desired that each one of us carries is only to be filled in one way. Similar to the moments in life that we have appointments for some specific reason, whether the doctor, church service, going home, etc., we enter the appointment through the main door. That main door being the one and only way in. Similar to arriving at home following a long day, the only thought in mind is to enter and rest but to enter there is a key that is needed. The only thoughts are of a nice peaceful and relaxing time drinking coffee after a warm shower and a healthy meal. The thought of being comfortable is captivating our minds. But in order to live comfortably, one must belong. In order to make the appointment, a door has to be entered and spiritually to gain eternal life, we too must enter a gate.

There is a something beautiful about experiencing the feeling of belonging. Having the ability to go in and out as you please, to walk into the kitchen and open the refrigerator to grab a bite to eat. And the freedom to not worry. When you belong, you don’t worry. When you belong, you don’t act. When you belong, you can be yourself. But in order to belong, you must first enter. And the door has a name. That name is Jesus.

In the text below, we see Jesus speaking to the Pharisees regarding spiritual blindness and about those who belong, even when others believe it is them and they are wrong.

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all of his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.”

“Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep… I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
(John 10:1-4, 7-9, 14)

The simple truth is this: our lives are a mess and we do not know how to arrange them. We seek to arrange them a million different ways based on our knowledge. We try and we try. We fail and we fail. Time and time again we become depressed, feel lonely, struggle aimlessly and for what? To do it again the next time? The purpose of life is to enter the gate and be led by the shepherd as we spend time with Him. Simple, that’s it.

Jesus has extended an invitation through His gate. But in order to enter, we must respond. It is the moment that we surrender to Jesus and ask Him to be Lord over our lives that we enter the gates. It is in those gates that peace, rest, love, belonging, life, etc. lie. And it is there for us in an abundance. But to reach it, we must respond. Don’t waste any time and simply respond because it is absolutely the best decision we can make in our lives. Everything about Jesus and His life matches up. None of it makes sense and all of it makes sense. Why did God choose to allow His son to physically be tortured and killed? For you to be free from all of the governing elemental beings in this world. True freedom is found in Jesus, and once you find Jesus you will forever be free.

I advise. . . Make the decision, and if you need to speak with someone about the next steps and what now? Reach out. God is running after you with open arms and an open and forgiving heart. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

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