JOHN 10:7-10
My life seems to move to the words and rhythm of some song, be it spiritual, gospel,
anthem, hymn, rock ‘n roll, or elementary school ditty. Frequently, I set off groans
in choir practice by starting a song to emphasize someone’s comments.
Songs often declare deep truths that otherwise may go unnoticed. There’s a song
that a local religious stations plays occasionally called “People Need the Lord’. One
line states, “ …at the end of broken dreams, (Jesus) is the open door”.
Our country, indeed the world, is in a period of economic, social and political
upheaval. People are laying the blame for the present crises at every possible door,
with resulting name-calling, finger-pointing and faction-forming. No one is happy;
there is no joy. All around the globe the theme song for many seems to be “I Can’t
Get No Satisfaction!”.
Politicians are hard-pressed to find solutions. The economists are stumped, and
the sociologists appear clueless. There is an answer. I am convinced that Believers
have the answer for our seemingly hopeless and dark times. In the words of a
contemporary song, “JESUS IS THE ANSWER”. To those who journey along in fear
and uncertainty, Jesus gives these promises: “I have come that you might have life—
life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10b-TEV); and again,
“I give them (my sheep) eternal life and they shall never die. No one can snatch
them away from me.” (John 10:28-TEV)
These are great truths on which to build one’s life today and eternally. These are
truths Believers need to speak and live. Indeed, Believers are witnesses of these
promises and are called to go, to tell, to make disciples. As we move through the dark
day of Good Friday toward the great celebration of Resurrection Sunday, the Christian
testimony is clear and shining—these promises have already been kept. JESUS is God’s
answer! “For it is JESUS who is the ‘Yes’ to all of God’s promises” (II Corinthians
1:20a-TEV)
There are two songs I remember from youth choir in Houston, Texas—“Brighten
the Corner Where You Are” and “If I Can Help Somebody”. Both of these songs tell
Christians that we must be, we must do and we must tell. We’ve got it, so we must
share it. People, all people, need the Lord, because only the Lord Jesus came in order
that all who believe might have fullness of life.
Prayer: Great and gracious God, today we travel in dark and uncertain times. But,
our hope is in You and the One You have sent to save us. Remind us always that
Resurrection is coming, and that this is the eternal message that we have to tell
the nations. We pray in the name of the Ever-living Jesus.
Amen.
Carolyn Nettles serves as elder and church school teacher at Mills
Grove Christian Church in Oakland.