Focal Passages: John 10:1-5, 7-10, 14-18, 25-30
Our lesson this week asks the question, are you feeling insecure? Like you I can easily think of numerous reasons someone might feel insecure. The government shutdown has recently effected the economic security of countless government employees, the daily needs of those relying on government programs and even the joyous plans of those families who had vacation plans to national museums and parks. The normal running of our government was not normal, thus causing insecurity.
Insecurity can affect us in an even more personal and private manner. Someone reading this may have just received a diagnosis of cancer or lost a loved one. The future seems insecure and frightening. Thankfully, scripture speaks to us where we are and gives us guidance. John 10 illustrates Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the One on whom we can depend.
Jesus establishes in John 10:1-5 that the good shepherd guides his sheep and gives clear direction. There is such comfort in direction. We all understand what it feels like to lose our way, either on the road or in life. Thankfully, the invention of the GPS has assisted the directionally challenged person, like me, with travel directions. In day-to-day life, we can know that Jesus cares enough about His sheep to give us the direction we need. The scripture assures us this is done in a tender and compassionate way.
Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, gives us life in two different ways. He guides us in the ways that save our life (John 10:9) and gives us abundant life (John 10:10). We don’t just exist, but live an abundant life!
Eternal life, then, is 100 percent guaranteed. It gives us security in a world filled with insecurity. On a practical level, if we are faced with a terminal diagnosis, we have the security that we will live eternally in the presence of Jesus. If we lose a loved one, we have the security that one day we will celebrate with them in the presence of Jesus, for eternity. Guaranteed!