Monday, John 10
The timeliness of the Bible never ceases to amaze me. When I reread John 10, the current political climate and upcoming election jumped first and foremost in my mind. With all of the fighting, divisiveness, and false promises made on both sides by those looking to see their party in power, the peace, honesty, and love shown by the Lord shines all the more brightly. For Jesus isn’t some hired hand, nor is He a politician looking for a job. He is our King, our Savior, and the only door
How many times have you heard the word “sheep”, or “sheeple” thrown around as of late? It’s the current term for people that blindly follow their favorite political party, no questions asked. How appropriate since Jesus Himself uses this same comparison. In His parable of the Good Shepherd, the politicians of His time were the scribes and Pharisees. They were the hired hands of the Jewish government; the shepherds mistreating the Lord’s flock. They used the Law for their own personal gain, while burdening the people with added amendments and regulations. They enjoyed the profit, piety and prominence of their positions, while caring nothing for God’s sheep with whom they were entrusted.
Jesus calls these Pharisee sheep herders, thieves who come to “steal and kill and destroy”. (vs. 10) By denying Christ as the only means to salvation, these false teachers were robbing the people of the truth, and leading them on the path to destruction. They cared only for themselves and their own glory, thinking nothing of throwing God’s flock to the wolves, especially if it meant saving themselves. But, “I am the good shepherd.”, declares the Lord. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me.” (vs. 11-14)
Unlike any government, politician, or leader, Jesus not only said He would sacrifice Himself for His sheep, He did it! He willingly laid down His life and shed His precious blood so that every sheep in His flock can spend eternity with Him. And not only does He promise life, but wants us to, “have it abundantly.” (vs. 10)
“Do you know how Jesus gives us abundant life? He does so by giving us Himself! You could have all the money, relationships, wealth, and power, but you would still have a deep sense of emptiness, because life isn’t found in these things. The only One who can truly satisfy you is Jesus Christ. To live the abundant Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life through us. His love motivates and empowers us, so we obey Him out of joy and thankfulness.”...Dr. Charles Stanley.
The year 2020 sure has been something. And the fact that’s it’s ending with a very contentious election seems almost par for the course. But no matter who is president, or what party is in power, I will be proud to be a sheep in the flock of Jesus. For His is an inclusive flock, a flock gathered by love, and a flock led by the one and only Good Shepherd. He knows me and I know Him. He calls me His, I call Him Master, and I will follow wherever He leads.
