Saturday, December 31, 2016

CHRIST OUR GOOD SHEPERD

John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”.
                                                                                                                                           
A sheep is an animal seen as one of the dumbest animal in the world. It is disorganized, dis- oriented, confused, frightened and incapable of finding its way back to the flock when it goes astray. It is unable to ward off predators and is easily helpless without a shepherd.

Therefore, Jesus calling us sheep implies that without Him as a good shepherd, we are helpless. Unlike all others, the good shepherd (Jesus) sits at the right hand side of God interceding on our behalf and lives with us through the Holy Spirit and His word. Others died and never resurrected but the good shepherd died and rose again. Hallelujah!

Works of a Good Shepherd
Jesus calls Himself as not only “the shepherd” but the “good shepherd. Jesus is making a contrast between Himself and the religious leaders, the Pharisees (Jn. 10:12–13). He compares them to a “hireling” who do not really care about the sheep. The hireling is contrasted with the true or faithful shepherd who willingly gives up his life for the sheep. He who is a “hireling” works for wages, are his main consideration.

The good shepherd is one that: Feeds, Leads, Grooms, Comforts, Corrects and Protects the sheep.

Feeds the flock: The ultimate food of the sheep (Christian) is the word of God. While on earth, Christ fed the people He met with the word. The word transformed lives and brought repentance to those who believed it. e.g. Fishermen, Tax collectors, etc. The Pharisees, Sadducees and high Priest were feeding with human philosophies that did not nourish the flock. So the effect was stagnant growth in the knowledge of God. Today man-made doctrines have invaded the church such that the power of the word is eluding us. Jesus fed the flock on the right pasture which ensured the right growth and strength of the sheep (followers). The feeding gave hope to the hopeless, peace to the weary and it binds up the broken hearted (Jn. 15:3; Jn. 17:16-17).  The word of God is the only diet that can produce healthy Christians (2Tim. 3:16-17). But, as a Christian, how much of the food do you know? Do you eat it daily?  Do you obey the instructions it gives you? Or just coming to Church?
Grooms the flock: The shepherd keeps the sheep clean from contamination and trains the sheep in the right discipline. Jesus kept the disciples from the contaminations of the man-made doctrines of the Pharisees, High Priest and Sadducees and tutored them to be fishers of men. Peter, John, James, etc. were formerly nobodies but the grooming of Jesus made them preachers of the message of salvation and men of integrity (2Corin. 5:17). The effect of this good grooming led to the formation of the church as in Acts. (Jn. 14:12). See Peter’s confidence in Acts 4:13. After all these years of knowing Christ, what account can you give since you knew Him? Have you allowed His teachings to transform you from your anger, quarrelsomeness, unforgiveness, fornication or disrespect ?
Comforts the flock: Because of the feebleness of the sheep, it easily encounters uncomfortable situations that easily affect his peace. As believers (sheep) we encounter a lot of persecutions, isolations and suffering to our spirit. The early believers were comforted by Christ in moments of suffering (e.g. sickness, hunger, persecution or confusion). Jesus, the good shepherd is our only comfort in this era of persecution, discouragement, misery, pain and need through the Holy Spirit. Man will fail and deceive you, but the spirit of God will not.
Protector: The careless “hireling’ shepherd always loses sheep to the predator who prowls around the flock. The hirelings normally thought only of themselves when danger looms. They abandon the flock and flee, leaving the sheep to be scattered or killed (Jn 10:12–13). However, as a good shepherd, Jesus gave His life on the cross for his own. “We were supposed to have been condemned because of our sins (Rom. 3:23, Isa. 53:6; Heb. 9:22). Jesus did not think about the pain and shame but humbled himself ‘till death on the cross to pay for our sins. In proclaiming that He is the Good Shepherd, Jesus speaks of “laying down” His life for His sheep (John 10:11,15, 17–18). Jesus is indeed the good shepherd. Trust in Him!
He knows His own: Jn. 10:14. A good shepherd knows his flock so well that even if they are mixed with others, he can still pin-point them. Christ has tagged His sheep with the blood and the Holy Spirit. If you are not tagged by the good shepherd, you cannot experience provisions made for His sheep (e.g. sons of sceva- Acts 19:13-17). We have different denominations, every one purporting to be the best but the Lord knows His own (the day of harvest will determine) (Jn. 10:10, Jn. 1:12)
Calls in wandering sheep: Jn.10:1, 9, 16. Bible makes it clear that Jesus had a lot of disciples. Through the word, miracles, healings, etc. He indeed called out people of all races into the kingdom- Jews, Gentiles, tax collectors, fishermen, etc.  Which shepherd can call another’s sheep into his fold? Only the good shepherd has the love for sheep. The wandering sheep He called earlier also called in others and still calling other wanderers today through us. (Matt. 28:19-20; Lk. 15:4; James 5:19-20; Jude 1:22-23). Are you calling others?
Our responsibility as sheep of the good shepherd
Every shepherd will sell or kill (for meat) the truant or disobedient sheep at the slightest opportunity. Likewise, if we are the true sheep of His pasture, we should obey the good shepherd’s voice and follow His commands else we will be without the pen, where there is suffering, neglect and final destruction from the prey.  

As the sheep of His pasture therefore, we have a responsibility to the good shepherd:
·     Study and obey the shepherds command. (Jn. 14:21; Jn. 15:10, Rom. 15:4). If we obey His commandment, we will continue to be nourished, protected from the beasts (false prophets) and grow in Him.
·     Allow the Lord’s discipline: Heb. 12:6 -11. The shepherd’s discipline leads to endurance, survival and a life of righteousness. We need to be humble and patient to live under the Lord’s discipline.
·     True fellowshipping: Heb. 10:25. An isolated sheep is easily devoured by the beast. True fellowshipping is good for encouragement and protection against the world. Acts 2:42-47 confirms how fellowship grew the church. A sheep’s best defense is to stay close to the shepherd and within the herd. We need the encouragement of the brethren in Christ. But can we boast of such fellowship today? Humanism has taken over the church rather than the word and the Holy Spirit, backbiting, hatred, unforgiveness, etc. is tearing us apart. We need to be wise
·     Prayer: Prov.15:8b. When the good shepherd is your Lord, you communicate with Him always. With our numerous needs, we have to approach the Lord with our needs rather than depend on man who can do little or deceive (e.g. false prophets).
·     Be agents of change: 2corin. 5:17; Gal. 5:22; Matt. 5:16; 2corin. 5:20. We need to show the world the way of truth and direct them to God through Christ by our lifestyles. What is the world learning from you or the church today? The world is not interested in the words but the practicality of Christ’s transformation in our lives.
·     Messengers for evangelism: Matt. 28:19-20; Prov. 11:30. Christ witnessed to make disciples who in turn continued to spread the salvation message. The Lord’s desire is to bring more into the fold (Jn. 10:16) so should our desire be. How many have you preached Christ to since becoming a Christian? 2Pet. 3:9. Who will rescue the perishing? It is you and I!
Conclusion
Do you personally know the Good Shepherd? Are you His sheep?  Do you recognize His voice? Are you following Him? There are many who claim to be called sheep of the good shepherd, but demonstrate clearly that they are not qualified according to His criteria. 


There is no greater peace and security than being under the care of Jesus, the good shepherd.  May the good Lord grant us grace, that we will continue to be the sheep of His pasture and escape the falsehood surrounding us; that we will give a good account when the good shepherd (Jesus) appears in His glory to judge (2corin. 5:10). Amen! 

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