An Abundant Life

As we progress in the series Following Jesus, we are learning more about how Jesus confronted the evils of the spiritual realm. He modeled this for the early disciples, as well as for us, in many different ways. Before we delve further into today’s topic, let’s invite the Holy Spirit into this time of learning and reflection with a prayer.

Heavenly Father, Your love has no boundaries and Your grace covers all of my shortcomings. I am so thankful for these truths. Help me to be like the sheep in today’s scripture passage. Help me to be able to discern Your voice over all others because I know through You, I will be safe and cared for. I love You, Lord. Amen.

John 10:1-10 (NLT)
1“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”
6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Yesterday we explored how important it is to have a robust prayer life. Today we will concentrate on the importance of listening to God’s voice above all other influences in our lives.

The shepherds in biblical times were very poor and were considered very low in terms of status and respect. But not to their sheep! The sheep depended on the shepherd for everything – food, water, a safe place to graze and sleep, and protection from all manner of dangers. The shepherd was with his flock 24/7. He most likely slept in close proximity, or maybe right in the field, with the sheep. So it makes sense that the sheep would recognize and follow their trusted shepherd, but be fearful of strange or unfamiliar people.

In general, sheep aren’t considered to be among the brightest of God’s creatures, but in this case, the sheep are extremely smart. Are we always as smart when it comes to listening to our Master’s voice? Can you think of a time in your life when you let an outside influence lead you astray?

Jesus said in verse 9, “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved.” As disciples of Christ, we must listen and obey God’s teachings and commands so that we can arm ourselves against all the forces attempting to pull us away from Him. Jesus’ teachings serve to expose and counteract the works of evil all around us, offering us a pathway to spiritual freedom, redemption, and an abundant life. Do you feel like you are properly armed with the tools you need to be a disciple of Jesus?

As you process through what we talked about today, spend some time in prayer and let the presence of the Holy Spirit speak to you. If you need help getting started with your prayer, don’t hesitate to use one of the prompts below.

Father, help me as I strive to hear Your voice over all others…

Lord, lead and guide me through all the muck and mire this world has put in my way…

I pray you hear the voice of our Lord speak truth to you today.