It all hinges on the gate

THE term ‘gated community' may conjure up images of exclusive developments of luxury homes where residents live luxurious lifestyles. To enter the cushy cul- de-sac, you need to have the right information or permission to open the gate.

‘Gated communities' come in varying shapes and sizes. They also provoke varying reactions. Do they provide security or increase tension in society?

A writer in The Independent noted that when Sir Ian Blair was Metropolitan Police Com­missioner he described gated communities as ‘invidious' and said: ‘We want an open society which is at ease with itself, not one from which groups of people withdraw.' But the former Home Secretary David Blunkett wanted more gated communities in deprived areas to ‘make available to the many what is currently available to the few'.

SheepWhatever the truth might be about housing projects, even the most humble gate has a dual role. It signifies security when closed and accessibility when opened. It represents safety and welcome.

Perhaps that is why Jesus told his followers: ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep' (John 10:7 New International Version).

In Bible times, a sheep-pen had one opening. The shepherd would often lie in that opening at night, acting as a gate. It is noteworthy that, shortly after saying he was the gate, Jesus also described himself as ‘the good shepherd' (10:11).

The shepherd would guide the sheep into the pen and then provide security from predators by blocking the entrance. The only way for any sheep to get into the pen was through the shepherd.

In Jesus' saying, the sheep represent the people who accept his invitation to follow God. It is Jesus who offers access to a relationship with God.

He showed the way to God through his words and actions. When he laid down his life for us and when God raised him from death he opened not just a way but the way for us to experience God in our lives.

To accept the offer Jesus makes, we must ask him to forgive us for our wrong­doings and then accept his guidance in our lives.

If we do, we will be welcomed into God's family and experience the security of knowing that he is always there for us.

War Cry 23 January 2010 - TSA UK