April 22, 2018 Sunday

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. “The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”” (John 10:11-18 NKJV)

            Where Psalm 23 reveals to us what God as our Good Shepherd does for us and makes possible for us John 10 reveals to us the character of the Good Shepherd just as we also see in Psalm 22. These passages are a revelation of God’s character and serving nature.

            Do you understand there could not be a Psalm 23 unless the Shepherd was not only willing but also lived out Psalm 22?  Jesus proclaims to be the Shepherd of Psalm 23 and is willing and able to fulfill Psalm 22! 

We who are sheep have found a Shepherd worth following!!!

            This passage also shows the Way of leadership within the Church.  As shepherds of God’s flock we are to follow the Good Shepherd’s example of sacrificial service.  Leaders are to lay down their lives for the Good Shepherd by serving God’s flock they are called to serve.

            As a shepherd the call is to know and follow the Good Shepherd in obedience to God’s will.  Those who serve as shepherds must accept the wisdom and teaching of the Good Shepherd or they will become “hirelings” who lead the flock astray and to destruction!

            You probably will not totally agree with the guidance and teaching of the Good Shepherd which is a result of sin clouding our lives but you must choose either to accept the leadership of the Good Shepherd or have the integrity to step away lest you scatter God’s sheep.

            Some who proclaim they are shepherds are really hirelings who harm and weaken the sheep around them and some are like wolves devouring and destroying the sheep around them!  But the Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep and will protect them from all hirelings and wolves.

            Are you under the care of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for you?  Are you willing to lay down your life and follow the Good Shepherd even through the rough ways and days?  As you shepherd God’s flock are you willing to be obedient to the Father like Jesus is?