Fenced In

Can You Handle 613 Items at a Time?

So Jesus explained to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 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. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:7-10

The Pharisees had hundreds of rules (beyond the 613 laws they lived by) which they believed helped them to live as God’s people. They fenced themselves in with regulations on everything from eating to prayer and were continually adding more. Jesus declared that the way to salvation and a full, free life as God’s people was not through rule-keeping, but through Him and Him alone.

You and I can sometimes behave like the Pharisees. You and I can be more concerned with behaving like a Christian than spending time with Christ. Here’s the prayer: “Jesus, You are the gate and I am your sheep. You protect me and promise me the fullness of life. Today I simply come to You with gratitude. Amen”

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18