Monday, May 16, 2011
John 10:11a I am the good shepherd.
FOLLOW THE RIGHT SHEPHERD
In 1889 the Seattle Press newspaper called for volunteers willing to explore Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. The call was answered by James Christie. Unfortunately, Christie was a fool of an explorer. Five men signed on to follow Christie. No doubt they thought better of it once they saw the sort of guide he was.
Wanting to make a name for himself, Christie began his journey in winter rather than waiting until spring. Their rented wagon couldn't even make it as far as Elwha River which they had planned to follow. Finally getting to its banks, the boat they built was made so poorly that it sank as soon as it was launched, taking two weeks to rebuild. Later one of their two mules fell off a 400 foot ledge and had to be shot. After that, they carelessly failed to protect their provisions and the dogs ate the last of their meat. They nearly starved. The expedition survived, but the trip was a comedy of errors. Christie's men followed him like sheep, but he was not the right shepherd to be leading them on such a journey.
It is important to follow the right shepherd. Following the right shepherd is helpful in our earthly journeys and it is *essential* in our spiritual travels.
Whom should we follow? We can be sure that when we follow Jesus Christ, placing our confidence and trust in Him to bring us to eternal life, we are following the right shepherd! He comes to give us life "to the full" (John 10:10) -- His dying and rising being the pattern for our own death and resurrection.
