Listen

So Jesus spoke again, “I assure you that I am the gate of the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and outlaws, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest."

John 10:7-10

Think

My view is super green. I’m sitting outside, safely three stories above from people, quarantined on my balcony and soaking in the bright green treetops of a park. Green connects me to today’s passage where Jesus promises pasture to those who live by the ethic of the gospel. Green points to signs of life, the growth from sunlight and rain, the change of seasons — thank God for this green.

Compared to the thief in today’s passage, Jesus calls himself the gate. The purpose for his metaphor is super clear: with Jesus-the-gate, there is life. And it’s the fullest quality of life we can experience — the absolute fullest. No sickness, no temporary restrictions, not even death itself has the power to take away from the promise of full life in Christ. This kind of living is complete, whole, and truthful.

When life seems to drag on, may we remind ourselves and each other of the kind of life we are called to live in the name of Jesus. One day at a time, we can do this.

Aram Bae

Pray

God, who is our Gate to life to the fullest, I thank you that with you there is the promise and security of life. I confess it’s easy to fixate on the negatives and despair around me and the world. COVID-19 is hurting us, and I need you. Help me to take a step today in the pasture of life so that I may encourage those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go

God the Shepherd, bless us and keep us.

God the Redeemer, smile upon us and be gracious towards us.

God the Spirit, lead us in the path of wisdom and peace.

And all of God’s people say: Amen.