Wherever He Leads

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

WHEREVER HE LEADS

John 10:16-18

16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." 

NIV

Jesus has been telling the people he is the good shepherd and that he lays down his life for his sheep. We took a look at the hired hand who is just in the game for the fleece and the fat, but when the wolf shows up they high tail it out of there, leaving the sheep defenseless. But we also talked about the wolves, those who come in sheep’s clothing. Now we take a look at the rest of the words of Jesus and that he says he has sheep that are not of this sheep pen. As he is talking to the Jews, he is telling them the gentiles are also his sheep, although we could be certain the Jews have no idea what he is talking about. They are the chosen people, the descendants of Abraham, and children of the promise. The gentiles are pagans, consider nothing, despised much like us Christians are considered by the Muslims today. But Jesus says that we who have not been born a Jew are also his sheep. It was always meant to be this way, for God so loved the world, not just the Jews. The fact is he did chose them, but we think it was for the purpose of revealing Himself to the whole world, not because they are any better of a people, or a special race or creed. The fact is that whosoever believes in Jesus will be saved. That whosoever includes every type of person on earth, whatever they ethnic or national background. We have listened to the voice of Jesus, all people whoever they are who listen to the voice of Jesus are his flock and he is our shepherd. We have a tendency to divide ourselves up into groups, nation groups, racial or ethnic groups, political groups, ideologist groups, intellectual groups, financial groups, and us Christian regardless of whatever other groups we belong in, we divide ourselves into denominational groups. But Jesus says there are one flock and one shepherd. Among a flock of sheep, there may be some white one, some spotted ones and some black ones, but they are all one flock, with one shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd of this one flock, all us believers and he lays his life down for us. Jesus also takes up his life again. We are the sheep of a risen shepherd, a living shepherd who cares for his sheep. We do not have to wander about this land alone and subject to the wolves or other dangers. He goes before us, leading our way to green pastures, he makes us lay down beside still waters, and he restores our soul. Even though we will travel through the shadow of death we will fear no evil for his rod and his staff they comfort us and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This is a beautiful picture of our shepherd, let us always hear his voice and follow wherever he leads.