Saturday, May 5, 2012
John 10:16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD IS DEVOTED
Jesus is constantly at work to bring salvation to those who do not know Him already. He said that He came into this world to seek and to save those who are lost. He wept over Jerusalem, which as a whole had rejected God and His messengers throughout history.
This "one flock" is not one that we can see. It will not be gathered visibly in this lifetime since faith is not visible. Jesus is working toward something more important than a visible alliance. His work is to bring people into the Holy Christian Church, and thus into fellowship with Him.
This is also our work. Pastors are shepherds under Christ. They are called to watch over God's flock, to be dedicated in service to it, and to seek out others as well. While pastors do this on behalf of other Christians in the public ministry, lay-members also are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God. Each Christian is to strengthen other believers with the message of salvation, and make each other aware of God's gracious promises and protection. You also are to take the message of Jesus to those who are lost, to those who are wandering towards eternal destruction.
There are many that do not know the love of the Good Shepherd. They do not know of the One who loved them so much that He laid down His life for them. They do not know of His intent to lead them to green pastures and still waters and give them eternal rest.
Only when there is awareness of the Good Shepherd will there be a difference in a person's life. Jesus is that Good Shepherd whom we love, and whose name we proclaim that others might share in the same. Continue to learn of Him and you will find more and more comfort and strength to go on in this life. What a blessing as a sheep to have such a Shepherd as Christ!
