Today's Devotional: The Upper Room Daily Devotion "The Door to Life" for Sunday, 3 May 2015 - Scripture: John 10:1 “Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd. 3 This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name, and leads them out. 4 After taking out all that are his own, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. 5 They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.”
6 Yeshua used this indirect manner of speaking with them, but they didn’t understand what he was talking to them about. 7 So Yeshua said to them again, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All those who have come before me have been thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus said, “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”[John 10:10 (CEB)]
On two occasions my wife and I visited the fascinating city of Florence, Italy as part of a tour group. We marveled at the beauty and the wonderful, intricate craftsmanship of the bronze gates to the baptistery of the magnificent cathedral. Michelangelo described these biblical scenes as worthy to grace the entrance to Paradise.
However, I was disappointed to learn that had we been able to enter through those doors, we would have found ourselves in a huge room lavishly decorated on the floor, walls, and ceiling — an inspiring spectacle. If only we had been given the opportunity to see it!
In a similar way, there are those who look at Jesus, who said, “I am the gate,” and are greatly impressed, marveling at his life, his teaching, and his attitude toward people. But then they fail to go beyond this discovery and never know the wonder of a personal relationship with Jesus. This experience can offer a whole new meaning and purpose to life. It is certainly good to know of Jesus; but we miss so much if we fail to know him as savior and companion in our daily lives.
The Author: Bill Willis (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: Life at its best can become a reality as Jesus shares our way.
Prayer: Loving Savior, walk with us this day so that our lives show others our relationship with you. Help us to encourage others to learn of you and follow you. Amen.
Prayer focus: Tourists
6 Yeshua used this indirect manner of speaking with them, but they didn’t understand what he was talking to them about. 7 So Yeshua said to them again, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All those who have come before me have been thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus said, “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.”[John 10:10 (CEB)]
On two occasions my wife and I visited the fascinating city of Florence, Italy as part of a tour group. We marveled at the beauty and the wonderful, intricate craftsmanship of the bronze gates to the baptistery of the magnificent cathedral. Michelangelo described these biblical scenes as worthy to grace the entrance to Paradise.
However, I was disappointed to learn that had we been able to enter through those doors, we would have found ourselves in a huge room lavishly decorated on the floor, walls, and ceiling — an inspiring spectacle. If only we had been given the opportunity to see it!
In a similar way, there are those who look at Jesus, who said, “I am the gate,” and are greatly impressed, marveling at his life, his teaching, and his attitude toward people. But then they fail to go beyond this discovery and never know the wonder of a personal relationship with Jesus. This experience can offer a whole new meaning and purpose to life. It is certainly good to know of Jesus; but we miss so much if we fail to know him as savior and companion in our daily lives.
The Author: Bill Willis (New South Wales, Australia)
Thought for the Day: Life at its best can become a reality as Jesus shares our way.
Prayer: Loving Savior, walk with us this day so that our lives show others our relationship with you. Help us to encourage others to learn of you and follow you. Amen.
Prayer focus: Tourists
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