YOU NEED QUALIFICATION

DAY 120

John 10:2-3 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Today’s text isn’t a new chapter of scripture for many because it is the parable of the good shepherd. However, I was in for a bit of a surprise. One would expect that shepherds would have unrestricted access to the sheep, besides they are those who tend to them on all fronts. Well, it appears that is not the case.

Instead, access to the sheep is regulated by a gatekeeper who determines whether or not to open the door to the shepherd. That, caught me by surprise. And Jesus goes further to say ‘I am the gate to the sheep (Jn 10:7)’

Think about it this way: God loves everybody, but he doesn’t trust all of us with the same degree of commitment. His sheep are his delight, they are the apple of his eye hence, He is jealous about them. He therefore shields them from any unscrupulous characters: both thieves and hirelings.

Even those called shepherds, are not left out. So whenever God sets systems of verification or training, and lays down markers for specific consecrations required for service in His vineyard, it is because He is the gatekeeper keeping the door to his flock. You have have to qualify to have access the sheep because you are accountable for each one entrusted to you.

#sly