Unlock your Bible gateway

In Jerusalem there is a gate. (Well, many actually, but this one is special.) It has several names: the Lions Gate, St Stephens Gate…and the Sheep Gate. While the location today may not be precisely the same, the gate held special significance in the days of the Temple. It was through this gate that the lambs and sheep were led for sacrifice.

The sheepdog is critical to the protection of the sheep. He can't be just some ol' lazy dog with no gumption or go-to. And he can't be some wired up, tripped up canine who causes chaos and confusion wherever he goes. His presence should calm the sheep, not unsettled them. He must keen and aware. Relaxed but quick to respond. Most importantly, he must be bonded with the sheep.

Because the moment that the sheepdog bonds more with its master than its flock, it will easily protect only the shepherd, leaving the sheep vulnerable and open to prey.

It is probably one of the strongest visceral response to scripture I've ever had. I was reading the story of Joseph - for the millionth time, I'm sure - and just trying to hear what the Lord might speak. And then came a sucker punch straight to my spiritual gut:

"Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him."Depending on the translation, you may or may not get the impression that these acts were done repeatedly. But, in the Greek, the meaning is crystal clear.

In Mark 15:19 we read the account of Yeshua's beating at the hands of his Roman oppressors. In heartbreaking detail, Mark relays the abuses suffered by the Savior in his last hours.

They struck him with a reed (staff). They spat on him. They knelt down in mocking homage to him.

Depending on the translation, you may or may not get the impression that these acts were done repeatedly. But, in the Greek, the meaning is crystal clear.

"They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb." This is how David describes the commands and precepts of the Lord in Psalm 19.

Psalm 19 in its entirety is a beautiful proclamation of the glory of God and David's overflowing love for His Word. In rich imagery, David unabashedly displays his regard for the Lord's commands.