Eastertide
April 22, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18

I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’ –John 10:16-18

The sheep that do not belong to this fold is most likely a reference to Gentiles, people who were not Jews, people who were not of the original covenant perhaps, people who were the other. Who are our Gentiles today? Who do we not accept as included in the love of God that we value so very much?

We leave a door slightly ajar for people not like us who make every attempt to be like us, worship like else, share our values, maybe even look like us. We are less inclusive of those who may love the Lord but do not meet our criteria of acceptance.

There are no doors, bars, walls, or borders in the Kingdom of God. All are welcomed just as they are and as they grow in their relationship with God whether they fit our mold or not. We are called to be one by the all-powerful God and Jesus Christ drew the assignment to bring us together even if it killed him.

Even though Jesus died on the cross, he arose and lives today to guide and direct us in the formation of a world ruled by his love. The thing about God’s love is it grows exponentially when we give it away. We are blessed by loving the other whoever they may be.

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be*.

Prayer: Thank you for loving me despite my failures to love all your other children. Forgive me and grant me the wisdom and the nature to love like you. Amen.

*First verse of O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go by George Matheson, See at http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/l/t/oltwnlmg.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.