The reference is to himself as the one who opens the way for the sheep to enter the fold.
Other places he will say "I am the way," "I am the good shepherd."
These statements are very powerful; very instructive; and take us back to an earlier use of those words, "I am."
It is when Moses is standing before the burning bush that he asks "By what name shall I say I have been sent?" The reply is "I am."
Please do not mis-hear this as a condemnation for the moments in our lives when we wonder if there really is a God, or if there is then what is that God doing? But I want to witness to you this morning the power which comes from living ones life with the assurance that God Is.
When I feel as if I am losing my way; God is the way.
When I need to lose myself in the flock and let another do the planning; God is that shepherd.
When all that I work for seems to be coming to naught; God is.
From this I gain a confidence which prevents my doubts and my mis-givings from winning the day.
Tillich is a theologian I studied in seminary. There is in one of his writings the acknowledgement that faith is like putting all of our eggs in one basket, knowing that it might be the wrong basket. Having them in that basket allows me to keep them together, and protected, and ready for use.
Jesus says "I am." And He is. In my life and in the world which comes into view through the lens of his presence in my life.
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