John 10:10

“The bottom line is that the thief has no interest in the well-being of the sheep,” Jesus clarifies. “The robber comes for no other reason than to steal, kill, and destroy the sheep. On the other hand, I am here to offer them life—my life. In fact, not only life, but a life beyond their wildest dreams.” John 10:10 EFP 

Jesus once again his expands on his discussion by couching his point as a contrast between two extremes. On the one hand there is larceny, death, and destruction. On the other, there is extreme life.

If Jesus is the genuine Shepherd, who is the pretender? It is quite clear that regardless of the garb they may wear, beneath the cloak is the dagger of the archenemy Satan. He has no interest in my well-being. I am deeply familiar with that reality. His interest is my enslavement, leading to my death, and ultimate destruction. He uses deception, decoration, and distraction to gain my attention and to lure me to the destiny with death he has devised for me. Misery loves company.

But it is not the dread of the Devil that will save me—it is my thirst for life and my desire to drink deeply from the living waters made available by the lover of my soul. God uses love to draw me closer and closer to his will. Satan lures me with things that appeal to my self-centeredness and selfishness. Love is not in his equation. My hearing must be in tune with God’s loving melody. Lord, don’t allow your voice to be drowned out by the surrounding chatter that clamors for attention. I want to hear you!