During the 1980's and even now in 2010, there was a show where people came dressed up as animals, policemen, and other occupations looking to become a big winner. This show I am making reference to is "Let's Make a Deal". The host back in the 80's was Monty Hall and within 2010, the host is now Wayne Brady. No matter who was/is the host, these contestants come with props in their hands, with the chance to win money, and to win the grand prize. However, in order to win the grand prize, you had to select from three doors and determine which door had the grand prize behind instead of hay or a cow or a beat-up car. Within the Kingdom of God, we often are dealt this same hand. Life presents so many doors and it's on you, my brother, and you, my sister, to select the right door. I am encouraged today because today's text provides definite clarity to this matter.
The Gospel account according to John will serve as today's backdrop for our main scripture. The intent of this Gospel account was not to present Jesus' life in chronological order like the other Gospel accounts, but to put on display His power and who He was as the Son of God. Throughout the tenth chapter of his Gospel account, John records Jesus ministering to His disciples about the shepherd and his flock and the Jews unbelief in Him. Within the discussion of the shepherd and his flock, clarity is given on which door to choose.
Jesus clarifies the house by letting us know who/what is the right door. He says, "I am the Door". The New International Version and New Living Translation say, "I am the gate". In other words, to receive the blessings God has in store for you, you have to walk through the door of Jesus. Not the door of despair, but the door that's Jesus! Not the door of depression, but the door that's Jesus! Not the door of desperation, but the door that's Jesus! Not the door of greed, but the door that's Jesus! Not the door of financial wealth than spiritual health, but the door that's Jesus!
Jesus continues on and lets us know the benefits of choosing Him as the right door. He goes on and says, "anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). " Now that right there ought to make you give Him a praise! Jesus loves you and I so much that He wants us to come to Him so we can live! It's also critical as men and women of God to compel others so they can live and walk through this door known as Jesus! If you think about Romans 10:9, it truly links to this portion of the text. It says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." If we believe Jesus to be the Son of God, believe that He died for our sins, and convey this message to others, being saved is a part of the blessing along with being able to live!
Jesus completes this verse by saying, "He will come in and he will go out (freely), and will find pasture". In other words, because you chose Jesus as the right Door, you will be able to live life, knowing that He's there to take care of you! You will be able to live life knowing that no weapon formed against you shall prosper! You will be able to live life knowing that greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! You will be able to live life knowing that you are a part of the blessing of Abraham and that those who bless you will be blessed and those who curse you will be cursed! You will be able to live life, as Jill Scott would say, like it's golden! As we live our lives for Jesus, there will be some bumpy days, but at the end of the day, you will have more good days than you will bad days! He will make sure that your needs are met! He will open up His windows from Heaven and pour you out blessings! He will take care of you and yours!
In closing, selecting the right door on Let's Make a Deal enables one to win nice prizes or pieces of junk. When you choose the Door that's Jesus, it enables you becoming saved, it brings about freedom, and it brings about the opportunity to reap the bountiful blessings He has with your name on it! Aren't you glad that you made Jesus your choice? If so, compel your fellow man to do so in order for him/her to receive those blessings as well!
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