To Serve & ProtectNäide

2. Protecting the Common Man

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.” – John 10:3 (NLT)

Have you ever tried to see someone about something important, but you had to go through a gatekeeper first?

Maybe you wanted to pick up a girl for a date only to be met by the death stare of the dad at the door. Maybe you had to appeal for your college application in person at the dean’s office but had to sign in and wait at the front desk first. Or maybe you’ve seen your favorite sports star at the stadium, but simply could not get past security to ask for an autograph and training tips…

We’ve all had to face gatekeepers somewhere in our lives. But how about being the gatekeeper for others?

No, you don’t get to decide who gets through to Jesus – our great Shepherd – and who does not. He can certainly take care of Himself and needs no protection from you. In fact, it is Jesus who was referring to Himself in John chapter 10 as the One protecting us as His own sheep.

But notice there is a role to be played by a gatekeeper, nonetheless. Not a gatekeeper who decides who gets to go through to Christ and who does not. But in fact, a gatekeeper that assures it is really Christ who comes through to the common man and not the destructive thief, nor one of his deceptive wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing.

We don’t need to defend Christ, for He is divine and already proved His power and authority. The truth, however, is something we can stand up to protect. To assure that the Good News about Christ – which lays the common ground between the common man and the crown of eternity – is preached, portrayed and proclaimed with accuracy.

Not every man is a pastor at a church or leads a ministry. But every man can be the gatekeeper for Christ to his general community. Whether we see our community as our household, our workplace, our friends, our neighborhood, or in fact then, our church. As men we are all called as gatekeepers to protect the truth and stand in the gap to bring Christ to the common man in our everyday lives.

And it is not as much in the preaching from the street corners, or proclaiming from the rooftops, as it is in the portraying of Christ’s character. If we preach and proclaim the truth, without portraying it through the way we live, then we are at times more in the way of Christ than showing the way to Christ.

Therefore, be sure that the way you live portrays the character of Christ to everyone, every day. But also, test the truth of what you hear when the Gospel is spoken near you, or by you. Be sure that it is the true Shepherd, the One who laid down His life for us, that you are letting through the gate. And not any distortion, destruction, nor distraction...

Read John 10:1-11 and Reflect on the following…

• What do you observe about Christ’s protection as our good shepherd?
• How can you be a gatekeeper for Christ in your everyday life?
• Where can you be on guard over the Gospel’s truth in your society?
• Who do you need to pray for today?