John 10:22-30
It
was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was
walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered round
him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are
the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and
you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness
to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep
hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal
life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to
snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
------------------------------
How
secure is your faith and trust in God? Scripture describes God’s word as a “lamp
for our feet and a light for our steps.” The Jewish Feast of the
Dedication is also called the Festival of Lights or Hanakkuh.
This feast was held in late December, near the time when Christians celebrate
the feast of Christmas. This is the time of year when the day is shortest and
the night longest. Jesus used this occasion to declare that he is the
true light of the world. In his light we can see who God truly is and we
can find the true path to heaven.
Jesus
speaks of the tremendous trust he has in God his Father and the tremendous
trust we ought to have in him because he is our good shepherd. Sheep without a
shepherd are defenseless against prey, such as wolves, and often get lost and
bewildered without a guide. That is why shepherds literally live with their
sheep out in the open field and mountain sides. The shepherd guards his sheep
from the dangers of storms, floods, and beasts of prey. The shepherd leads his
sheep to the best places for feeding and the best streams for drinking. He
finds the best place for their rest and safety at night. The sheep recognize
the voice of their shepherd and heed his call when he leads them to safe
pasture and rest. We are like sheep – we become easy prey to forces which can
destroy us – sin, Satan, and a world opposed to God and his people. Jesus not
only frees us from Satan's snares and the grip of sin, he leads us to the best
of places where we can feed on the "word of life" and drink from the
"living waters" of his Holy Spirit. The sheep who heed the voice of
Jesus, the good shepherd, have no fear. He will lead them to the best of places
– everlasting peace, joy, and fellowship with God and his people.
In
this present life we will encounter trials and difficulties. We can face them
alone or we can follow Jesus, the true shepherd, who will bring us safely
through every difficulty to the place of peace and security with God. Do you
listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd and heed his commands?
------------------------------
"Lord
Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who secures what is best for us. In you I
place all my hope and trust. Open my ears to hear your voice and follow your
commands."
---
No comments:
Post a Comment