Deliverance Promised

Micah 2:12-13

¹² “I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;

    I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.

I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture;
    the place will throng with people.
¹³ The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
    the Lord at their head.”

We may not like to admit it, but most of us like following someone’s lead.  Left on our own, we’re a mess.  We need a leader.  And who better to lead than God.  God loves us so much he promises to break through the gates of sin and lead us to salvation.

John 10 provides beautiful examples of this played out in the New Testament… The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (3).  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (9-10).

Show us the way, Lord.  Gather your sheep. Go before us to get things ready and then call us by name to join you in Heaven.  We are hungry for a life to the full.  Amen

The Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” -John 10:14-18

We have all heard of Jesus referred to as a shepherd. In today’s passage Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd.  This drew my attention and I asked myself what would make a “good” shepherd? 

Reading the scripture, I noticed how four times he says “he will lay down his life for the sheep.”  This was not a foreign idea.  It would have been normal for the shepherd to bring the flock home to the fold at night.  He would then lay down in the gate physically to protect the sheep from wolves coming into the sheepfold.  He literally put his life on the line for the sheep.

Think of this though, the shepherd would lay down, as the gate, in case something dangerous threatened his flock.  Jesus knew why he came to earth.  His job wasn’t to be ready to die for us if danger came.  His entire calling was to die a sinner’s death, a death he did not deserve, because Satan had already attacked.

Jesus never swayed from his calling. His love for us is so deep that he willingly sacrificed himself.  He didn’t live his life thinking, “I’m ready to die, if that’s what’s needed.”  He lived his life knowing how it would end.  That is definitely what I would call a Good Shepherd.

Missed Opportunity

I enjoy listening to audio books. I will often get into one while walking and become so engrossed that I hate to stop. I have found these types of books motivate me to walk more often and for longer periods.  A win-win all the way around.  Usually, I prefer books authored by Christian writers, but I do enjoy searching for the secular writer who can communicate without offending my ears or my spirit. My latest selection happened to be one such book.

I must admit, it took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I found the storyline enthralling. As the tale developed I became drawn to the characters and discovered I liked them. This doesn't happen with every book I read or listen to.

Midway through, I began to regret that no Christian slant accompanied this piece. I could see where it was heading and felt I would be denied a great teaching moment. The main character, Joe, an outstanding human being, had impeccable values. He made a few wonderful friends along the way and his impact on their lives would not be forgotten.

But, as it became obvious to me this wasn't going to end well for our hero, I felt robbed. There was sure to be a memorial service before the end of the book and friends would give testimony to Joe's amazing personality.

John 10:16 (NIV)
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

But, because this was not a Christian title, there would be no hope to share with those he left behind; no framing this tragedy through the eyes of a believer. As a writer, who one day longs to complete that piece of Christian fiction which might challenge someone who doesn't yet know Jesus, I mourned this missed opportunity and longed to rewrite the ending.

All readers and listeners deserve to know there is meaning to this life and it isn't all about us, but The One who leads us, His sheep, just by speaking.

John 10:11-18

The Doorway to Life

Do you ever wonder, "Who really cares about me?"  We all experience moments when we feel insignificant or unimportant, but nothing could be farther from the truth.  We belong to God and that alone makes us a valuable treasure.  And our God does treasure us and He stands guard over us as well.

If you know anything about shepherds and the sheep they guard and protect, you would see the reason God uses them to illustrate how he cares for us.  Sheep are not the brightest animals in the world and they really do need a keeper.  Shepherds are trained to guard and protect their charges.  They care about them and seek them out when they wander off.

Can you see the parallel here?  Can you tell where I am going with this train of thought? There have been so many times in my life when I was just plain stupid.  My actions would indicate that I had no common sense and lacked personal pride.  But, God still sought me out; He chased me down until I gave Him my life.  Similar to the sheep that get themselves caught in the most dangerous situations and the shepherd who rescues them from themselves, God does that for me and for you too.

Unlike sheep that need to be guided all their life, I will learn from my mistakes, and eventually submit to my Shepherd's embrace.  I know there is only one way to be safe and have a future and that is through Jesus.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is the only way into the heavenly fold. And he stands at the gate, not as a barrier but as a passage way.

"Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9)

John 10:1-10

We Know Jesus' Voice

Today’s reading is John 9:39 – 10:18, the bulk of which is “The Good Shepherd and His Sheep.” Jesus likens himself to a shepherd, and the Church as a flock of sheep. He reminds us that true believers, sheep in the story, know Jesus and will follow only him. We know Jesus' voice.


But many will come, trying to deceive us with a false voice. This is concerning.

 

Verse 10:10 tells us that, “The thief comes only to steal and destroy.” There are many who tried to turn God’s people away from God, when Jesus was alive and prior to his birth.

 

Today there are many religious leaders who try to turn Christians away from the Church and God’s Word. Some put other books above the Bible. Some teach there are ways to heaven other than through Christ. Some even dare suggest that humans have what it takes to earn their way to heaven.

 

Political leaders, too, try to lead Christians astray. There are some, claiming to be Christians, who support abortion and alternative definitions of marriage. Throughout the world, some of these leaders have turned people away from Christ with the goal of a controlling government.  Communism, for instance, was introduced in parts of Latin America with the support of both political and religious leaders.

 

Yes, Jesus’ church is under attack. The thieves are here today.

 

The same verse continues, “I have come that they [my sheep] may have life and have it to the full.” Jesus’ church is under attack.  Sure, our adversaries will sometimes win a battle, but Jesus  protects us.  Our souls are secure. He also ensures that we will win the war. We will have life in full when we ascend to heaven. That is reassuring.

 

Verse 9:39 tells us Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world”. Jesus assures us that those who attack the church will be judged. Those who are not in his fold will be judged.

 

We will find satisfaction in knowing that good prevails over evil.

 

Concerning. Reassuring. Satisfaction. All because we know Jesus' voice.

 

We will find satisfaction in knowing that good prevails over evil.

 

Luke 15:1-10

God’s Passion for Lost People

Jesus had a rare gift to be able to attract those despised and ridiculed by the masses. He was approachable. I envision Jesus emitted an aura of love and acceptance, a welcoming spirit.

   

As Jesus somehow enticed the taxpayers and sinners of the area to gather around him, the Pharisees and teachers of the law muttered about how Jesus welcomes and eats with sinners. They had so much to learn.

Jesus shared with them the parable of the lost sheep, and how the shepherd will leave ninety nine to locate the missing from the flock. He also told the story of the woman who misplaced one of her silver coins and did not rest until it was found. These things were treasured by the ones who lost them.

This reminded me of the time the diamond from my wedding ring went missing. Because of the sentimental value above all, I dedicated the entire day to retracing my steps. I could not rest until I located it, though anyone who knew what I was attempting, thought I was in a futile search. As I drove our old suburban into the driveway nearing defeat, I recalled unloading my nephew’s birthday gift from the back tailgate. I had already gone back and searched their home and yard to no avail, as well as the other half a dozen places I had been. As the gate dropped down and I scanned the area I grabbed his package from, a sparkle beyond description revealed itself to me between the crease of the tailgate and the bed of the truck. Wow!  That was it. To this day I guard and protect that stone like never before.

So the analogy; as I reread my words I am somewhat distressed. If that stone meant so much to me, there are some other things that should take precedence as well, like people. Though I attempt to share my faith and go out of my way to help others and draw them to the Lord, am I doing so with as much passion and determination as I put forth when looking for my diamond?

How much more precious than diamonds, are people made in God’s image, even when that image has been tarnished by sin. We are all diamonds in the rough, each of us worth finding and cleaning up for the Lord. 

Read/Listen to Luke 15:1-10

Be Shepherds - Acts 20:28-38

A year ago the theme for our Vacation Bible School was the 23rd Psalm.  I was given a book to read based on that Psalm and it taught all about sheep.  I was amazed with what I learned about these cute, cuddly, soft looking animals.  I learned they are not too smart, and they need to be led around by a shepherd for their very existence.

These creatures that God choose to use as examples in some of the parables, are dependent upon man for survival.  Given to their own devices they would perish.  I am grinning as I realize this is the exact reason Jesus chose this animal as His parallel example to us.  

I know that if I am left alone to figure life out, left without the Holy Spirit to call upon for guidance and understanding, I would be lost.  I am like that sheep who wanders away, gets caught up in some brambles, falls down and cannot get up again.      

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)

Thank you Jesus, you care enough to chase after me when you only count 99. Thank you Jesus, when you find me, you pick me up and lovingly carry me home in your arms. What a beautiful picture I have in my mind right now.
Read the Acts 20:28-38 text here.

The Righteous Branch -- Jeremiah 23:1-8

A year ago the theme for our Vacation Bible School was the 23rd Psalm.  During that time we learned about sheep and shepherds and the role they play in each other's lives.  We learned that sheep are very needy, not self-sufficient at all.  Sheep need someone to care for them in every way; they need protection and guidance at all times.

We learned too about shepherds and the role they play in the lives and well-being of the sheep in their charge.  Left unattended the animals will fall prey to other wild animals just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on them and devour the helpless creatures.  These animals also need protection from the elements as well as direction to appropriate sources of nourishment.

It is fascinating to dig into the Biblical history of shepherds and the parallel we find between sheep (us) and the shepherd (Jesus) who cares for them. These sheep are helpless and susceptible to every danger lurking in the world.  Jeremiah's words reinforce this concept of sheep needing a shepherd.

He called the leaders of that time to task for not properly caring for their people.  He told them what God had revealed to him. "Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done." (Jeremiah 23:2)  This causes me to reflect on who God has placed in my care.  I must remember that I am accountable to God for those I influence and lead.  Let's turn to our Shepherd, Jesus, for help.

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