Tuesday, April 23, 2013
John 10:7-8 "All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
BE ON THE ALERT FOR FALSE SHEPHERDS
As sheep of the Good Shepherd we must remain on the alert for deceptive voices that would coax us to follow them instead. How many are the false shepherds who speak messages designed by the wolf, Satan, to entice us away from the loving care of Jesus and bring our souls to eternal ruin. There is the false shepherd of materialism which beckons us to run after it. In our 21st century world the temptation is strong to be drawn away from the treasures of God's Word which have eternal value and join the mad rush to stockpile the treasures of this world whose value is fleeting. There is the bewitching voice of worldly pleasure that sings alluringly in our ears: "Everyone's doing it. Have some fun. It can't hurt you. Times have changed, you know! The moral precepts of the Ten Commandments don't apply today. Do your own thing. "Then there are the beguiling voices of religious cults and false-teaching churches which call out invitingly: "Follow us! We proclaim a message that's in tune with the times! Not that tired old message of Jesus crucified on a cross and risen from the dead."
No wonder our Good Shepherd counsels us to "watch out for false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ferocious wolves" (Matthew 7:15). No wonder that we, His beloved sheep, have made this our daily prayer:
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Your tender care;
In Your pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Your fold prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours.
We are Yours; in love befriend us, Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Your flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear us children when we pray.
(Lutheran Service Book, 711:1-2)
