S) "10 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'"
John 10:10 (NASB)
O) I often find that people are reluctant to follow Jesus because they don't want to be "sheep" who are following a leader without question, and going with the crowd without hesitation. In fact, the term "sheep" is often used negatively to describe a man who won't think for himself. What people often miss, though, is that there is absolutely a an enemy who is a thief and a wolf, and compared to that enemy, we are like sheep. Against such an enemy, no man is equipped to defend himself on his own and he will lose, die, and be destroyed. The truth is, that the analogy of sheep, wolf/thief, and shepherd is incredibly apt; however, it requires humility to admit just how much the analogy applies to us all.
A) First, I need to remind myself that my enemy is seeking my downfall constantly. However, a clever wolf knows that he doesn't always have to break into the pen to get to a sheep. Sometimes, he can simply lie in wait for a sheep to wander out. I need to be sure that I'm never wandering aimlessly or alone. Second, and more directly, I need to be sure that I am listening for, and following, my Shepherd's voice so that I am being lead to prosperity and safety and life. Third, if I do find myself lost, I need to seek the Shepherd instead of trying to find safety on my own. I might run headlong into more danger if I try to return alone, as opposed to finding the Shepherd and His direct safety, and allowing Him to lead me safely home. Also, and perhaps more correctly, I need to be allow the Shepherd to find me, because if I'm lost then He is already seeking me.
P) Father, I will be a sheep in your flock. I will allow myself to be lead. Teach me to know Your voice more and more, so that I am never deceived. Thank You for this promise of life and the abundance of it. Holy Spirit, continue to work on my heart, humbling me when I fail to humble myself. Jesus, when I am lost, find me quickly, Lord. And, if it's required for my own safety and instruction, discipline me as a shepherd breaks the leg of a sheep, so that I will not wander again. Thank you for loving me so much, that you would choose to be my shepherd, even to the point that You laid down Your life for me. Lead me, God. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
A) First, I need to remind myself that my enemy is seeking my downfall constantly. However, a clever wolf knows that he doesn't always have to break into the pen to get to a sheep. Sometimes, he can simply lie in wait for a sheep to wander out. I need to be sure that I'm never wandering aimlessly or alone. Second, and more directly, I need to be sure that I am listening for, and following, my Shepherd's voice so that I am being lead to prosperity and safety and life. Third, if I do find myself lost, I need to seek the Shepherd instead of trying to find safety on my own. I might run headlong into more danger if I try to return alone, as opposed to finding the Shepherd and His direct safety, and allowing Him to lead me safely home. Also, and perhaps more correctly, I need to be allow the Shepherd to find me, because if I'm lost then He is already seeking me.
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