Last week I talked about how the pattern of salvation was set in the story of the 100 sheep, the one that was lost and the 99 left; how Jesus, Creator of those sheep, left His glory for the purpose of restoring the lost, which came at great cost to Himself (Matthew 18:12-14).

This week, looking at John 10:1-15 we see the theme of the Shepherd (Jesus) and the sheep (lost mankind) continues. In it Jesus makes several profound and radical statements. He tells us that only the Shepherd can enter the door of the sheepfold, that he “who does not enter by the door . . . but climbs up some other way is a thief and robber.” And the Shepherd knows his sheep, he calls them by name and leads them, and they recognize his voice and follow him. Then Jesus tells us that He Himself is not only the Door to the sheepfold (through His death and resurrection) but the Good Shepherd of the sheep. And that the Good Shepherd lays down His life for his sheep. It’s both clear and beautiful.

But who is the thief, the robber? The one who tries to sneak into the sheepfold? Who comes “to steal, and kill and destroy?” It is, of course, Satan. First He tries to keep the sheep from coming into the fold. When that fails, he will try to invade the fold, to separate it, disrupt it, and create havoc. How many split churches can attest to that? And Satan will do both things through lies and deception. He will first tell us we are gods, that we don’t need a Savior, that we can just “do our own thing,” be the “captain of our ship.” He will dangle all the allurements the world has to offer: money, fame, pleasure. And yes, the Bible tells us there is pleasure in sin for a season. But when that pleasure fades, when that money no longer satisfies and leaves us empty, when we realize that fame is short lived and empty, too, perhaps then we are finally ready to allow the Good Shepherd to do what He longs to do: save us from ourselves and our sins, then lead us onto a better path. But even those in His sheepfold must constantly listen for His voice because if they don’t they could fall prey to the counterfeit shepherd who is ever trying to destroy them.

I once did a blog on how silly and foolish sheep were. They would wander away from the flock and die, or drown in a fast moving stream if it were not for the shepherd. They are also disease prone, easy prey for wild beasts, and utterly unable to protect themselves. I think that’s a pretty good description of what we’re like. And maybe remembering that will make us tender hearted toward those who are still lost. After all, they’re only sheep, too, just ones without a shepherd.

But here’s the best part, while Satan comes to “steal, kill and destroy,” Jesus said He came so that His sheep “may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full” (John 10:10 Amplified). Pray that all those you know and love will come to know the Good Shepherd and enter into this abundant life.

Until next time,

Sylvia

Sheep have to be among the silliest of God’s creatures.  They simply cannot survive by themselves.  If left on their own they would return to the same overgrazed and pollute pastures, unable to find new ones upon which to feed. They would become sickly without the saltlicks and other trace minerals the shepherd provides.  They would drink from polluted holes unless taken to a source of water that is pure. Or they would drown if not kept away from swift running streams. Their eyes have to be constantly cleaned and medicated to prevent blindness from infections caused by flies. And they need sheltering during harsh inclement weather for they don’t know enough to shelter themselves. And when a sheep becomes “cast” or ends up on its back unable to scramble back on its feet, it would die unless the shepherd picked it up. In addition, sheep are utterly unable to protect themselves from predators and must rely solely on their shepherd for protection.

 

It’s no accident that the Bible compares us to sheep for we are just as foolish and incapable of caring for ourselves. And it’s for this very reason we need The Good Shepherd.  For it is the Shepherd that keeps us from pollution by providing His word for us to feed on.  He is the living water that keeps us refreshed.  He is the salve that keeps us from spiritual blindness.  He is our provider, our shelter, our protector.  His utter care and commitment is all encompassing.  He is tender and loving, ever mindful of our weaknesses but never repulsed by them. He picks us up when we fall, and carries us when we are weak. He has laid down his life for us, the sheep. He has held nothing back.

 

In this time of uncertainly and upheaval, isn’t it wonderful that we have such a Shepherd?  We need not fear, but only allow Him to lead, guide and protect us. And we, His sheep, can remain in perfect peace, if we follow His leading.

 

Until next week,

Sylvia