We’re continuing our theme of being on a journey and what are the things that count as travel essentials? Many of us would say that in life we are on a journey, we’re not always sure where it is heading but the optimistic amongst us usually hope it’s the right direction.
Here at the Bridge we try to think through being equipped for that journey – what are the things that we need?
This week we’re focussing on Security
Watch a clip from Herbie Fully Loaded – 1;06;54 – 1;09;54
Where do you feel safe?
So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good-sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for-will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy.
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him.
He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf.
He’s only in it for the money. The sheep don’t matter to him. “I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me.
In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before
myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd. This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again.
John 10:7-17 (the Message)
Everyone will need to come and pick up a piece of wool. Take it back to your seat and tie it to yourself.
How does it make you feel?
Some of you will feel that it inhibits you and makes you feel tied to something. There will be a whole load of emotions about how it makes you feel because what will have happened to you in the past.
Some of you will be reminded of friendship bracelets and it will be a positive thing because it will remind you of good friends.
It is a bit like security, or mum having eyes in the back of here head, or not being able to drive the race car. We can take them either way. A mum who has eyes in the back of her means it is so difficult to get away with things without them seeing. OR it can mean that mum is always keeping an eye on us so we can be safe.
How many of you have asked to do something and been told that you are not allowed to?
Is that been because you don’t understand why it is that you want to do whatever it is or is it because you will not be safe doing what you are hoping to do.
Maggie (from Herbie Fully Loaded) wanted to drive in the race. She wanted to win. But her father, every time he looked at her saw their mum, his wife and he already lost her once and he did not want to loose her again.
Security is of vital importance for us as human beings. It adds no end to our sense of well being. If you don’t feel secure or safe you can really struggle in life. Struggle with relationships, struggle to be who you really are, struggle over taking appropriate risks, etc. Someone called Maslow came up with pyramid of our basic needs and safety/security comes one up from the bottom. It is one of the foundations in our needs of being human.
In the passage we read earlier Jesus said he was the Gate. Now for some that is about being kept in against their will whilst for others it represents safety and security for life without having to change or risk anything.
Jesus also says he is the shepherd who knows is sheep. ‘Knowing’ is the crucial word here. Jesus knows those he looks after.
This is about safety balanced with freedom – Maggie did drive the car and win the race with her dad at her side.
This is about security with independence – a mum who loves a child but wants them to discover the world out there safely.
Sanctuary with true liberty – a safe place to come back to when things have gone pear shaped. A safe place with no judgement but arms of welcome home. A sense of home without us being locked in.
We all have a lot to learn about security, mums, sons, daughters. I think a good place to start is with the shepherd who knows his sheep and who is known by the sheep.
Tie your wool to yourself – it might help remind you this week at 11am of the Shepherd who can provide security for you if you get to know him.