Read: John 10:1-18 and I John 3:8b
On warm spring days, my son and I enjoy walking to the bus stop. It takes about five minutes, and the fifth of a mile journey, coupled with the wait at the stop, gives us time to talk. Because we live on a dead end street, we can freely walk without the fear of traffic dangers. We do, however, have to watch out for an occasional dog that may have been let out for the morning by one of our neighbors. Generally speaking, the dogs are friendly and merely watch as we go by, letting out a yelp or two just for the fun of it.
Not long ago, one of our neighbors hired a nanny to watch his ailing parents. Each day that she comes, she brings her dog along. Bobby, who stands about two feet tall, is a very rambunctious dog and loves to get into mischief. Since his arrival, every dog in our neighborhood has gotten into trouble or has been found exhibiting uncharacteristic behavior. Bobby likes to hide when he sees someone approaching and then dash out from his hiding place. Racing toward his unsuspecting victim at full speed, he stops just shy of a collision. You never really feel safe when you are walking down the street, because you don't know where he might be. I feel that he cannot be trusted.
One morning, as Ayron and I were coming down the street I saw Bobby in the front yard of his "employer." He watched us coming toward him but did not move. I was hoping to be able to slip by without incident, but that was not to be the case. As we neared the home, Bobby began frantically barking. This frightened my son, and he was preparing to run. I informed him that it would be unwise to do that and of the consequences of that decision. Bobby was now running toward us. I quickly put myself between my son and the approaching menace. I told Ayron in a calm but firm voice that he must stay behind me and close to my body. If he did not do this, I would be unable to protect him from the dog. As usual, Bobby came up close to us and attempted to get near my son. Each time that he tried to get around my barrier, I adjusted my position and kept myself between them. Ayron obediently stayed close behind me. Wherever I turned my body, he followed. Bobby, unable to get to him, grew tired of the game and went back into his yard. My son was relieved and commented on how great it was to have me step in front of him and stay there throughout the whole ordeal.
Over two thousand years ago, a similar incident was played out for us. There was a menace that had us under his control. He taunted, sneered and tormented at every opportunity that he could get. This enemy of our souls caused continuous trouble for us and was the agent of our exhibiting behavior quite uncharacteristic of our Creator. He terrorized the "neighborhood" with fear, intimidation, lies and deceit. He could not be trusted. But onto the scene came Someone who knew the score. Someone stepped between the devil and us. Jesus came to the rescue, giving His life so that we could live, and not just live, but live life abundantly. What a great sacrifice was made for you and me. What great Love has been displayed. Jesus said, "No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord." He wanted to do it. Hallelujah!
And what a relief to know that the devil has absolutely NO power over us. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God has so completely defeated him! He cannot get to us unless we, through willful disobedience to God's Word, step out from under God's protection.
In this month of love, let's remember the most wonderful expression of Love that can ever be: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
Prayer
Amazing Love, how can it be that Thou my God should die for me? Amen.
