“There is salvation in no one else!
God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12 NLT)
Series: His Name is Jesus
While visiting one of our favorite destinations, my husband and I ventured out to visit an isolated prayer chapel sitting on a hilltop. We started our climb together, but the rough terrain and the steepness became too difficult for me. I rested on a bench on the path while my husband ventured on up to the chapel.
My disappointment of not being able to go further melted away as I noticed the breath-taking views of rolling hills, trees, butterflies, and in the distance, several sheep in the meadow. As the sheep grazed, they moved toward me. Eventually, they came too close for my comfort. I stood on the bench, waved my hands, stomped my feet, and let out my best impersonation of a sheep. “Baa!” The sheep froze. So, I let out another robust “Baa!” Success! The sheep ran off, zigzagging all the way.
As I watched them in their wayward exit, I imagined they were running toward the gate of their pen—a safe place the shepherd corrals them. Then the Lord gave me this thought: we are like those sheep before we commit our lives to Jesus. We zigzag through life, running aimlessly through many doors, only to find emptiness and struggles. And when we enter through the right door, the one Jesus offers, we discover peace, purpose, forgiveness, fulfillment, salvation, and eternal life.
In John 10:7-9 (ESV), Jesus says:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Jesus is the only door we can enter to receive salvation. The door that leads us to life with God the Father opens only by faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
In Mathew 7:14 (ESV), Jesus taught:
“For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
The gate, or the door, is narrow because it is Jesus—only Jesus. This door leads to life, and the challenge lies in self-denial, surrender, humility, and service. You may ask, how is this possible? God has given us the perfect answer in His Word.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT):
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sins so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
Jesus, is the door swinging open with an invitation to step into the rich pasture of His never-ending power, provision, and blessings. He alone is the eternal door we can enter because of His sacrifice. He welcomes us, the sheep, with His gift of righteousness and offers an intimate relationship with Him.
There is only one door that leads to salvation and a life of fulfillment. That door is Jesus.
Are you zigzagging through life, seeing what’s behind random doors? Do you feel scattered, empty, and unfulfilled? Run to the Lord and go through that Door today to discover the green pastures He has prepared for you.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Patricia
Scripture References: Acts 4:12; John 10:7-9; Matthew 7:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21
