John 10:2

“On the other hand,” Jesus continues, “the one who cares for the sheep has no reason to sneak in or jump a fence.  He comes in through the main gate in full view of all.”  John 10:2 EFP 

There is something to be said about transparency. No hidden agenda. No switch and bait. No covert operations. Just the truth: clear, concise, and concrete. As in the time of Jesus, those caught in the web of a religiosity that seeks preeminence and preservation rather than a sincere search for truth, mask and muffle the core of their faith to the point that many, if not most, cannot grasp the simplicity of the truth about God.

God never seeks to slide the truth is under a veil of acceptability and a promise of comfort. He knocks and enters through the front door with a call to live lives to the glory of God and to serve his children regardless of standing or status. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is open and inviting. It trumpets terms such as believe, abide, follow, and rest. It also warns the hearer of the realities of being part of the flock of the Good Shepherd. Troubles, trials, temptations, and treachery.

Jesus offers me the truth. The truth he shares is the way to salvation and joy, today and in the future. I believe God is calling me to present that truth to His people  in terms that can be understood by all, and point them to the One who enters through the gate in open view and invites me to live an open, transparent, and genuine life—in the footsteps of my Shepherd.