May 7, 2007
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THE GOOD SHEPHERD
There is much on my heart about this subject of shepherds. This devotion gives a contrast between a shepherd and a hireling. But in these last and evil days, it goes much further: there are hirelings that are wolves over God’s flock. They don’t even disguise themselves. How grieved God’s heart must be that so many choose His divine calling as a title but never have anything further to do with it. I have actually witnessed more than once, men who stand behind God’s sacred desk and spew poison to God’s waiting flock. Sheep who were waiting to be fed God’s Word are carelessly tossed seeds of discord from a diseased heart instead of wholesome words of health and healing from God’s heart and holy Word. The mean and arrogant words spoken were no doubt stemming from some personal qualm that he had with an individual in the congregation; but what a way to handle it and what a time & place to choose to do so! It was such a shameful display of a lack of Christian maturity, self-control and outright integrity. Yet it was done so brazen and shamelessly and all because someone has taken it upon themselves to take the lead but is by no means a leader. Needless to say, many who continued to follow on are in a deep spiritual rut (or what Matthew 15:14 & Luke 6:39 refer to as a ditch).
I beg of you, with all the many false doctrines, teachers & prophets among us: take time and take care to know the Lord’s voice, know His Word. Learn of Him!!!
John 10:
3 – To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 – And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.
5 – And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
11 – I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.
12 – But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
13 – The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
A hireling puts forth the sheep whenever he is scared;
So if there’s any threat of danger, his own life is spared.
A hireling puts forth the sheep to use them for a shield;
So that the wolves get to them first and he will not be killed.
A hireling puts forth the sheep in paths that go astray;
And leaves them fending for themselves so he can flee harm’s way.
A hireling puts forth the sheep no matter where it is;
And he thinks nothing of their lives because they are not his.
The shepherd puts forth his own sheep but also goes the same
Direction as he’s leading them and calling them by name.
He knows his sheep are easy prey for wolves that hide and hunt;
And so each time he puts them forth, he always goes in front.
The shepherd guards his sheep against the wolves that try to fool
And lure his flock to injury through dressing up in wool.
With his own life, their well-being is put before his own;
And there aren’t any instances when they’re left alone.
He makes his voice well known to them so when there’s sudden danger,
They’ll follow where they hear his voice and not after a stranger.
He’ll face the perils of the predators so they can be
At ease to rest in pastures green in peace and safety.
And how is it that we would know that all these things are true?
Because those are the things we’ve seen the Lord, our Shepherd, do!
John 10:
14 – I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.
15 – As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Be vigorously encouraged!
Pam
