All We Like Sheep...(Pt. 2)

There is much to be said about us being sheep. In my previous post I spoke of the lost sheep, and the Great Shepherd giving His life for them. In such an example, I referred to unbelievers, who do not know Jesus. I would like to continue the sheep analogy talking about believers.

I told the story of the dumb sheep I saw in Pifo wandering around, lost, and they needed their shepherd to guide them back. In another sense, we sheep who belong to the Lord, believers, wander astray all the time.

We really are quite like sheep, dumb, and dependent. We're dumb because we think we are independent, when we really can't be. If we are not guided by the Shepherd, we will wander off, and once we're quite far, perhaps we will pick our heads up and realize, Oh no! Where am I? I'm lost! Shepherd! Where are you? I need you!! Shepherd!!! Come back!!

Let's look at John 10. This is a good example of what is happening to Christians everywhere.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

So often Christians do just the opposite from this passage. They stray from the Shepherd, and they forget His voice. Instead, they start listening to a stranger's voice, and think, ooh that's very appealing. But, the stranger has no good intentions for the sheep. The stranger is only thinking of himself and how he wants to steal the sheep for himself. He does not love the sheep as the Shepherd does. But the stranger coaxes the sheep and they will follow him, if they have forgotten the voice of the Shepherd. Christian, do NOT be led astray by false teachers and strangers! We are Christ's sheep. We belong to Him. We must stay near Him, so that we know His voice. Then we will not be 'carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14)

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11)

The Good Shepherd has brought you back from being lost. He gave His life for you. He loves you. Will you so take for granted His gift of life and stray from Him?

I ask you: Do you know your Savior's voice? When was the last time you heard it? If you don't know, or it has been too long, call out to Him. Confess your sins, listen for His voice, and listen to His voice. You need Him. You are just a dumb sheep who can't see very well. The Eternal Shepherd has infinite vision. He knows better than you. Trust Him; He will guide you and keep you from the strangers and thieves. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)