7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10:7-11 NIV
No one is truly saved until they realize they are in great peril.
Full awareness is essential for the complete experience.
That’s why the pre-believer’s prayer includes the statement, “I know that I am a sinner.” We have to accept that we are in danger. That we are lacking. That we are sheep.
And sheep need a shepherd.
God’s assurance is such that Jesus is available to us as a Good Shepherd, one who protects us without reservation, guides us to the Father, and gives us eternal life, should we choose to accept it.
I imagine angels looking down at people on earth from time to time and marveling over how we choose “thieves and robbers” most of the time. The ones who come to steal, kill, and destroy.
Do they shake their heads and smile with concern, thinking, “why are they not choosing goodness, comfort, and compassion, every time? Why do they allow themselves to be stolen from, murdered, and be destroyed by wolves, so to speak, every time? The gate has been opened to them. The shepherd is available. Are they just closing their eyes, on purpose?”
It’s truly a mystery.