Don’t get caught going the wrong way

 If someone wants to visit a location today, all they have to do is get an address, and, in a few seconds the GPS on their phone will give them the shortest route, traffic, turn-by-turn directions, and an estimated time of arrival. Just a few short years ago, the same outcome would have taken a lengthy explanation, reiterated several times on the phone. A pen, scratch pad, and paper atlas would have been necessary, and, in the end, you would miss the turn at the end of Mr. Kelsey’s farm, having to turn around at the big tree beside the green barn, indicating you’ve gone too far. At the end of the journey, whether past or present, we simply don’t get there without guidance. We will never “just happen upon the right place by accident.”

Jesus gives us seven “I am” statements in the book of John, and three of those are what leads us. In John chapter 8, Jesus begins teaching at the temple when he is interrupted by accusers and an adulterous woman. He deals with the situation with genius perfection and resumes his teaching with verse 12 when he says, “I am the light of the world.” He proceeds to explain that, without light, darkness will prevail in our lives, thus he called himself light, and the light is what leads us.

If we skip forward a few chapters, Jesus says, “I am the door of the sheep,” in chapter 10. He gives very detailed warnings concerning following the wrong shepherd. In verse 3, he explains how sheep know and recognize the voice of their shepherd. He explains and says once again, “I am what leads us.”

Staying in the same chapter, Jesus calls himself “the good shepherd” -not once but twice. Anytime in scripture, when God said something twice, it was because he wanted to stress the importance of receiving the message. In verses 11 and 14, the message to each of us is again simple and direct, “I know my sheep and I lay down my life for each one.”

Jesus is our salvation, and he is what leads us to repentance.

The strong message here today is that we are not going to accidentally fall into heaven; we must be led there, and Jesus is the only one that is qualified to guide us. If you’re not following him - you’re going the wrong way.

Let’s meet up together this Sunday, at Christpoint Church, on Liberty Square, in Sparta, at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and get our directions clear. We’re real people, living real lives, serving a real God. Welcome home.