01-13-11 (Day 4) John 10:22-31

DAY 4

The passage I read was John 10:22-31

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:22-31&version=NKJV

My summary of the passage is this:

This is a pretty short passage so instead of putting it in my own words, I’ll encourage you to go and read it for yourselves.  My favorite verse from this passage is 27 which says (NKJV) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

As I reflect:

The Jews asked Jesus to be simple and plain with a sentence like, “Yes, I am the Messiah”.  But it wouldn’t matter even if Jesus did speak that plainly to them because they had not ears to hear what He was truly saying anyway.  The same is true of any non-believer whose heart isn’t prepared to receive the truth.  The Gospel mysteries are made known in the believer, not in unbelief.  Just as we are instructed not to throw pearls before swine, here Jesus refused to give great wisdom and insight to the accusers around him.  He knew they wouldn’t get it because he had already told them in other words before.  So, instead He tells them that His sheep (the followers of Jesus) can hear him.  He is talking about us.  The believing and following Christian.  He is saying that we hear him (understand that the written word is true and every word applies to us) and that we follow hi, (apply the word daily to our walk with Christ).  We are alive in Christ and Him through His Holy Spirit in us.   I think for me it’s important to note daily that simply believing in Jesus isn’t enough.  In verse 27 he says we follow him.  Likewise sheep of a field will follow the shepherd that leads them.  If they fail to follow and are not quickly guided back into the group, there are many dangers for them such as the wolves that would devour or the fast moving current of a strong river that would sweep them away if they.  Thankfully our shepherd loves us and quickly guides us back to the flock saving us from such swift ends.   I find it important in my own life to daily remember that being a Christian isn’t just lip service to others.  If Jesus’ death and resurrection has actual truth to me, then how can I remain as I was before I confessed Him as Lord over my life?  I can’t remain the same.  Every day I am to seek the Lord’s will and follow through on what I know his word says to be true.  This passage for me, on this day, is about listening to and heading the good word of my Shepherd.

My response to the Lord:

Lord, I am thankful that you not only hear my voice, but that you send your messages back to me day in and day out through your written word, through friends, through signs, and even miracles daily in the least expected places.  I know that your word to the unbeliever is foolishness, but to me Father it is life.  You leadeth me beside still waters so that I don’t get in over my head elsewhere.  You truly do lead me to green pastures.  Though I have trials and tribulations in life, you always give me good spiritual rest and provide a way out from my temptations.  You are my good Shepherd Jesus.  You have never let me stray too far that you could not bring me back, for your have purchased me and find value in me.  I can never thank you enough for saving and continuing to save me daily from my old flesh Lord.  I am completely yours.  Help me to reflect what you have done for me to others.  Help me to be an example for the kingdom.  Reach others through me Lord.  And then through them.  And then through whomever they would reach… Lord, allow me to be a worker in the harvest and may other workers be brought to help through seeing my efforts and your graces.  In Jesus Name.