Enclosed in Safety

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. _{John 10:9}

This passage in John 10, verses 1 to 19 opens up the imagery of Jesus as Shepherd. To understand it better, we need to appreciate the relationship between shepherd and sheep in Israel BC. After a day in the fields, the flock would be brought together and led into a stone enclosure. Once they were all safely inside, the shepherd would place himself at the opening to the fold. This is where he stayed; this is where he slept. He was, quite literally, the door to the fold.

The shepherd insured that his sheep were safe from danger by guarding them with his own life. In the morning, he leads them out, and when he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice ^{John 10:4}. Again, the safety of the sheep is at the forefront, for they are not just let loose to wander and roam wherever they like. The shepherd goes before them, looking for potential dangers, and leads them to fresh pasture. The shepherds only concern is the care and welfare of his flock and he tends to them continually.

Jesus is the door to the spiritual fold. Anyone who goes through that door is enclosed in safety, for the Lord has said, “he will be saved”, σωθήσεται (sōthēsetai) – meaning, save, heal, preserve, rescue, deliver, protect. What wonderful assurance to all those who have responded to the call of Jesus. Your welfare is always at the forefront of his mind. Always has been, always will be.

Each day, the Lord goes before you, and through the darkest of times, he encloses you in safety. He will protect you. He will deliver you.