I love the tender relationship a shepherd has for his sheep. Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd in John 10. He makes these wonderful provisions for us as our kind and loving shepherd.
He is our protector from thieves, robbers and strangers. The wicked one is doing everything he can to steal your soul away from God. Jesus tells us that the devil uses evil men to do his work (Matthew 23:15).
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.”
Yes, there is great danger is this world so we must listen carefully to the Master’s voice. He guides us by the truth (John 8:32).
Jesus protects us from hirelings. These are those who tend the flock only for self gain. They don’t care for the sheep and leave when the sheep need protection and care the most. They are like the shepherds that Ezekiel describes in Ezekiel 34:1-6.
He protects them from the wolf who are trying to destroy the flock. Jesus warns about these wolves in sheep clothing (Matthew 7:15; Luke 6:43-45). Paul warned the Ephesian elders of the dangers of these wicked teachers who want to destroy the flock (Acts 20:29).
Jesus gives his protection by blocking the entrance to the safe sheepfold. He made it impossible for evil to harm the sheep by hindering their ability to reach the sheep. He also keeps the sheep from going out and becoming prey to the wolves. There is wisdom in staying where the Lord puts us. We want to abide in Christ by obeying His voice.
Are you safe in the fold of Jesus? If not today is the day to begin following the Good Shepherd. You can start right now by obeying His voice. Jesus spells out in the New Testament exactly how to enter His church which is the sheepfold.
Notice these simple commands given by Jesus: We must hear His gospel (Romans 10:17), We must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24). We must turn from our sins to living as Jesus directs (Luke 13:3). We must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10). Then we must be immersed for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38). That puts us into the body of Christ where we must remain faithfully until we die (Revelation 2:10).
If we do leave the fold we will lose our saftey in Christ. The devil will destroy us outside of Christ, so we must come back into the fold. Fortunately, Jesus as the Good Shepherd seeks us diligently to bring us back (Matthew 18:12ff). Come home to Jesus now!
Worship Thoughts 