Abed_nego2
Servant of the Lord
John 10:1-4, "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."
__________
The most important decision we (believers in Christ) must make is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As His servant and ambassador, we must choose to be different than those of the world who don’t know Him, as Lord of their lives. In spite of our circumstances, we need to continually grow in the Lord. We must have faith and trust in our Lord God, believing in His mighty power and promises. Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd of your life will never leave you nor forsake you.
In fact, He will leave the ninety and nine to go after the lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7, “Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
What a powerful scripture! Believe that Jesus, the Shepherd is going after your lost spouse this weekend or that co-worker and neighbor you have been witnessing to. He is calling their name each and every day and saying, "No, Don't do that or go that way! Stop and turn around!" The Lord needs us to continue fervently in prayer for that spouse, co-worker, neighbor and those who have fallen into the trap of sin. Jesus Christ is the only one who can set them free from the bondage of sin and deception from the master deceiver (Satan) who is also known as an angel of light!
__________
Closing thoughts:
I read some time ago of a man in Australia who was arrested and charged with stealing a sheep. However, he claimed emphatically that it was one of his sheep that had been missing for many days. When the case finally came to court, the judge was puzzled, not knowing how to decide the matter. At last, he asked that the sheep be brought into the courtroom. Then he ordered the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep made no response except to raise its head and look frightened. The judge then instructed the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep.
However, when the accused man began to make his distinctive call, the sheep bounded toward the door. It was very obvious that he recognized the familiar voice of his master. “His sheep knows him,” said the judge. “Case dismissed!” I’m confident the Lord is knocking on the door of many hearts this very hour. It is my earnest prayer that you will open the door of your life and let Him, the Good Shepherd, come in. For those who know Him as the Good Shepherd of your life:
(1) Is your heart drawn to Him and are you listening to His voice?
(2) Do you enjoy reading the Bible and communing with Him in prayer?
(3) Do you have a deep longing to learn all you can about Him so you can become more like Him?
If not, something is drastically wrong. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
__________
The Spotless Lamb of God who died to save us from sin is also the Good Shepherd who lives to lead us.
__________
The most important decision we (believers in Christ) must make is to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As His servant and ambassador, we must choose to be different than those of the world who don’t know Him, as Lord of their lives. In spite of our circumstances, we need to continually grow in the Lord. We must have faith and trust in our Lord God, believing in His mighty power and promises. Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd of your life will never leave you nor forsake you.
In fact, He will leave the ninety and nine to go after the lost sheep. Luke 15:3-7, “Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
What a powerful scripture! Believe that Jesus, the Shepherd is going after your lost spouse this weekend or that co-worker and neighbor you have been witnessing to. He is calling their name each and every day and saying, "No, Don't do that or go that way! Stop and turn around!" The Lord needs us to continue fervently in prayer for that spouse, co-worker, neighbor and those who have fallen into the trap of sin. Jesus Christ is the only one who can set them free from the bondage of sin and deception from the master deceiver (Satan) who is also known as an angel of light!
__________
Closing thoughts:
I read some time ago of a man in Australia who was arrested and charged with stealing a sheep. However, he claimed emphatically that it was one of his sheep that had been missing for many days. When the case finally came to court, the judge was puzzled, not knowing how to decide the matter. At last, he asked that the sheep be brought into the courtroom. Then he ordered the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep made no response except to raise its head and look frightened. The judge then instructed the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep.
However, when the accused man began to make his distinctive call, the sheep bounded toward the door. It was very obvious that he recognized the familiar voice of his master. “His sheep knows him,” said the judge. “Case dismissed!” I’m confident the Lord is knocking on the door of many hearts this very hour. It is my earnest prayer that you will open the door of your life and let Him, the Good Shepherd, come in. For those who know Him as the Good Shepherd of your life:
(1) Is your heart drawn to Him and are you listening to His voice?
(2) Do you enjoy reading the Bible and communing with Him in prayer?
(3) Do you have a deep longing to learn all you can about Him so you can become more like Him?
If not, something is drastically wrong. Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
__________
The Spotless Lamb of God who died to save us from sin is also the Good Shepherd who lives to lead us.
