Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.
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. John 10
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. John 10
The Role of a Shepherd is as follows:
Protect the Sheep
Move the Flock away from Unsafe Areas
Feed and birth Lambs
Grooming and Shearing
Round up Lost Sheep
Keep Sheep Healthy
Domesticated Sheep will not survive without a Shepherd!
What's also interesting about sheep is that they actually do recognize their Shepherd's voice and will come running if they hear him, even from far away!
This is such a beautiful picture of our Savior and us! We cannot survive without Him!! Without Him we will be attacked by predators (Satan and his minions), we will go hungry (No bread of life!), we will wander into unsafe places (outside His Mighty wings), we will not be groomed (sanctified, transformed into His image) which means we will eventually be destroyed by sin, we will get sick, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Without our Shepherd, if we wander away, there will be no one to come find us and bring us back!
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? Matthew 18:12
What is the true measure of a sheep? Do we know our Shepherd's voice? The only way to recognize our Shepherd's voice is to be continually near Him, allowing Him to lead us, groom us, feed us and protect us. If you are not part of His flock, then you will not recognize His voice, and you will get lost and be attacked outside the sheepfold.
Stay near the Shepherd
Jesus is gathering His sheep right now into the sheepfold where we will be protected and provided for. A storm is coming and it will happen suddenly, bringing with it much darkness. Sheep outside the sheepfold will get blown away and potentially lost forever.
Stay near the Shepherd!
This is a comforting reminder! A good read for further detailed reading is “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller. It’s a classic.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! That sounds like a great book!
DeleteGreetings Little Lamb of the Holy Shepherd, :)
ReplyDeleteYes MaryLu, we know His voice, and we know who say they are from Him and are not, thank You Jesus that is one of the many ways you keep us safe. Not only is Jesus gathering us for His return, but I believe He is calling some home already. A very dear Sister just went home to Jesus Saturday night, she past in her sleep. She was the most loving people and gentle person I've had the pleasure of knowing. Yet for all her physical aliment's, some form of severe arthritis with twisted knuckles and fingers, displaced back and hips she was the most fiery spirit filled spark of enthusiasm for Christ ! And her ailments didnt hold her back from dancing and flagging in her worship to our King. I think we are going to see many go regardless of age. Maybe the Lord is displaying His grace by sparing some who have already endured so much in this life.
Thank you for this sweet word of encouragement MaryLu, may your ears be tuned to the voice of our Shepherd and may He hold close to His side.
Your friend sounds like a lovely lady, Joe. Full of the Holy Spirit! She had every reason to be angry and sullen. I knew a lady who was all twisted up with Rheumatoid arthritis and in constant pain and she was bitter. Now, this sweet sister you knew is dancing with the King! Thank you so much Joe... I pray every day to hear the Lord more clearly!! I pray you sense His loving and mighty presence always!
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