Across the Divide 4/1/2009

After what might be the costliest congressional election in history, and certainly one of the nastiest we finally have the results and the winner is – (drum roll please)...

NO ONE

The election hangs by a handful of votes. It will be weeks if not longer before the absentee ballots are counted and the affidavit ballots are challenged and resolved. For the last two months both candidates and their political parties have sought to divide us with mud slinging, innuendo, and half truths. They have succeeded admirably.

Today is April Fools' Day – how's that for irony? And the joke is on us.

My devotions this morning took me to John 10 where Jesus says that he is the door of the sheep and he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

Sheepfolds in that time and place were enclosures without a gate as we know one. The sheep were gathered into the sheepfold for the night. Once all were in the shepherd himself would lay across the opening. He was the gate. Anyone who didn't enter by the gate – through the shepherd was a thief or robber. Any predator who sought to kill the sheep would have to go through the shepherd first.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15

If Jesus is the good shepherd then we are the sheep. Politicians certainly treat us like sheep but I doubt they will lay down their lives to protect us.

Jesus did. Sin and death want to snatch us away, but Jesus laid down his life for us - our good shepherd. He laid it down and he took it up again (John 10:17) – our crucified and risen Lord to lead us, his people to unity, peace and life.

“They will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
A question to ponder in these tumultuous, divisive and dangerous days:

Who are you listening to, who are you following?

In Christ's love and peace,
Jeff Silvernail