Gatekeepers

Today we think about gatekeepers. I wonder what you think of when I mention that word?

[any offers?]

One small church we were part of had an annual catering job – chicken and ham salad at the local show.  As in most churches, it was announced that help was needed. Being new I offered and was gladly received. I turned up on the day and asked what needed doing. Every job the leader suggested was someone else’s job. I was glad not to get lettuce because they cut it so– o-o-o fine, I don’t think I would have managed it. Eventually they decided that I could set the tables and later wait on tables, which was fine.

Another church I knew of had one or two people who kept a tight hold on everything that happened – who had access to buildings, keys, nothing happened without there say so.

In the gospel reading this morning Jesus is described as a gatekeeper – i wonder what it means?

Does it mean Jesus doesn’t let anyone cut up the lettuce?

When I was a teenager we would regularly travel to my Grandfathers place about 45 minutes from home. We would drive through the village of Paterson [picture], you may just be able to make out the automatic railway gates. When I was travelling up there with my parents, the gates were not automatic, and they were not the style they are now. A person would ride their pushbike the few blocks from the station to the crossing, close the gates, wait for the train to pass, and open the gates again.  Sometimes it seemed to take so long for the train to arrive.  As I said these days it is automated.

 

[picture] if you are here at the church at school start or finish time, you will see one of these Lollipop  ladies helping the children and their parents to cross the road. Even with a pedestrian crossing it is dangerous for children and difficult for traffic. We know children and cars don’t mix. Without the lollipop people, traffic builds up as children and parents wander across the road, and sometimes children run to catch up with a friend.

The lollipop people stop  pedestrians form crossing until it they stop the traffic, then make sure it is safe.

 

I think maybe John’s idea of Jesus as a gatekeeper is like the lollipop people we have at school crossings.

The gatekeeper was to keep to the sheep safe, not to lock them up, not to exclude some sheep, not to ridicule. The Gatekeeper kept the sheep safe; safe and fed; safe and rested; safe in the flock.

One of the issues the church as a whole is dealing with at the moment is safety. that is in a number of ways.  All institutions involved with children are involved in the Royal Commission on institutional responses to child sexual abuse. As a congregation we need to make sure all people who are in ministry with children complete safe church training, Working with children check, and that we have good policies in place to protect vulnerable people. We also need to be aware of the safety of our property.  

Child play areas are now generally fenced, with child proof gates. Swimming pools now have to adequately enclosed.

Sometimes it seems like there are so many rules, but really there is one rule – and that is the rule of love.

At the last church council meeting we looked at the questions of what can be done to make this a safe place, emotionally, physically and spiritually? In many ways it already is, but what can be done to keep it safe, and make it safer?

 Gatekeepers aren’t for keeping people from the good things in life, or for holding onto all the power. Gatekeepers, who follow the example of Jesus, are there to protect and guide, so that all may live life to its fullest.

 Reflection [I have added images]

A sheepfold is a simple thing,

it doesn’t require any great engineering.
There may not even be a gate…
at least in the physical sense.
A sheepfold without a gatekeeper
is not secure.
A sheepfold with a gatekeeper
is as safe as safe can be.
A gatekeeper knows his sheep,
he keeps them safe and secure.
They trust and follow him.
They know His voice.
A stranger cannot deceive.
A stranger will be ignored.
A stranger’s lies will not be believed.
A stranger will not be trusted.
The gatekeeper of our hearts—
does not deceive,
cannot be ignored,
can be believed and trusted.
Christ is our gatekeeper.
We are his flock.
As we enter the sheepfold
that is a life with Him,
we know he guards us,
loves us.

In him we find fresh pastures.

He is our gateway to life.

© Spill the Beans

 Gathering Activity

Issue everyone with a small cut out picture of a sheep (ideally on thick card) as they enter the worship space. Invite people to write something on the sheep of a time when they have known that God has been close to them, for example, they have felt protected, uplifted, loved. Invite people to keep the sheep in their pocket, purse, wallet or put it on the fridge at home to remind themselves of the ongoing protection and love of God. [spill the beans]

Affirmation of faith

 

I believe I need a shepherd.

— Copyright © 2002 Bruce D. Prewer. Posted on Bruce Prewer’s Home Page.