The Good Shepherd leads His sheep.
I heard someone say that the shepherds of Jesus’ day would walk toward the new pasture and their sheep would follow the sound of their voice. This is in stark contrast to my experience as a shepherd – when we had sheep, they never did what I asked or expected them to! For those who remember watching sheep dog trials on TV in the 1980’s (A Dog’s Show), you’ll remember the barking dogs rounding up the sheep while the shepherd leant on his fence post with a whistle in his mouth.
Jesus is our good shepherd, and He wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives.
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. (John 10:14 NKJV)
Just to be clear, you are the sheep. Not the sheep dog, and not the shepherd. You are the sheep, and you should be encouraged by this. Jesus knows His sheep and is known by them.
I’ve recently had some amazing experiences and a cool outcome relating to our new staff appointment, which you can read about later in this email. I fully credit these outcomes to Jesus working in my situation, leading me and encouraging me along the journey.
On reflection, there are a couple of thoughts from the following verse that I hope encourage you.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 NKJV)
KEEP LISTENING.
As one of the sheep of Jesus you should be following the sound of His voice. What does it look like for you to be listening? Are you listening, or are you just bleating?
ABSOLUTE TRUST.
When Jesus says, “I know them,” He is pointing out the depth of intimacy and trust that we the sheep should have with our shepherd. To be blunt; the shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep is completely trustworthy! What does it look like for you to be trusting Jesus? Trust is the action that follows faith, and without action you cannot say you have faith.
QUICK OBEDIENCE.
The sheep follow the shepherd. I have found great blessing in learning how to be quick in my obedience. That means, once I hear what the shepherd has said to me, I receive it in absolute trust that He has given me the right answer, and I respond in obedience quickly. To wait often gives room to the enemy to cause doubt, fear and inaction.
Remember, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV).
Follow the Great Shepherd!