The Good Shepherd

 

Much could be said about the "Good Shepherd."  However, the thought that strikes this blogger today is the second verse in John 10; "But He that entereth in by the door IS the Shepherd of the sheep."  Only the true Shepherd comes by "the door."  Because He IS the door. (v9)  "I Am the door:.."  The false shepherd/prophet acts as "thief and robber."  If the door is closed, he finds another way.  Because he has no regard for the sheep, he finds a false way.

The Psalmist pointed out, "The Lord IS my Shepherd..." (Ps 23.1)  How is it the sheep go their way without fear?  Because "...Thou art with me."  (Ps 23.4)  Even in correction via the "rod and staff" there is comfort in knowing He knows the best way.

So many verses could be expounded on when thinking about "The Good Shepherd."  But today this blogger simply wants to meditate on the truth that HE IS Good and wants the best for His sheep.  Praise God, I am one of them!

Rejoice, rejoice.  Praise Him, Praise Him tell of His excellent greatness.  What a friend we have in Jesus. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

A thief AND a robber...

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief AND a robber."  (Jn 10.1)

Webster defines a thief as "one who secretly takes the goods or personal property of another secretly or by open force. One who makes it his business to cheat and defraud."  A robber does the same only by force takes that which he has no right to take.

In the context of John one, who is the thief and robber?

Well, in verse 8 we find "all that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers..."  In verse 10 the only purpose of a thief is to, "kill, steal and destroy..."  Then the Lord begins to talk about Himself as "the door, and "abundant (life-giver)." (Jn 10.10)

It seems clear, the context is talking about false prophets and/or teachers.  Those that "err in the truth" (Jms 5.19, 20)  or "turn the grace of God into lascivousness (lies and false doctrine, Jude 1.4).

Webster's definition of thief and robber is direct.  The definition of each begs the question, "Have I taken something that does not belong to me, directly or indirectly?"  What would constitute stealing, besides the obvious taking an object or money?  How about,

• tithes that belong to God (I Cor 4.2, Lev 27.30, Pro 3.9, Mal 3.8-12)
• time (I Cor 7.5)
• time in prayer
• time in fasting
• faithfulness to church (Heb 10.24-25, Pro 28.20) how many "church members" so-called, use Sunday as vacation, camping time, or claim they are too sick/too tired - let someone else do it...? 
• faithfulness in one's job (Col 3.23, Pro 13.4, 2 Thes 3.10-12) - frittering away time on the job is stealing an honest day's work from one's employer

Each reader of this blog has probably thought of some very specific circumstances that could be called "stealing" in the eyes of God.  If so, that one would fall into the same category of "thief and robber" noted in John 10.

Thus, What is to be done to avoid being a "thief and/or a robber?" 

Well, the Lord goes on in the following verses to describe the behavior of sheep.  It's a known fact that sheep are pretty clueless.  They need direction and constant attention to avoid catastrophes such as being taken by a predator or falling in which case they are completely unable to "right" themselves.

In John 10.3-5, the Lord explains that sheep know the "porter's voice."  They follow Him because they know His voice.  They will not follow a strangers voice.  

The Lord also explains the behavior of a "good shepherd" in verses 11-14.  The "good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." (v11)  The "good Shepherd" never leaves His flock unattended to predators such as the violent wolf.  Quite simply, only the "Shepherd" cares for the sheep.

In answer to the question, "How does one avoid being a "thief and/or a robber?"  One need look no further than the study of the "good Shepherd."  Just follow Him!  Will a "sheep" still wander off or get into trouble?  Of course!  But that is why they follow the "Shepherd and His Voice."  When listening for His voice when He speaks from scripture or directly to a believer's heart, the path is less fraught with such peril as falling down and predators.

Many scriptures address these comments but for now simply work on bearing a good witness of the "good Shepherd."

Pharisee - is this you?

 In reading John 9 about the blind man, this writer is struck again by the proud Pharisee.  Webster's defines the Pharisees as "One of a sect among the Jews, whose religion consisted in a strict observance of rites and ceremonies and of the traditions of the elders, and whose pretended holiness led them to separate themselves as a sect, considering themselves as more righteous than other Jews."  The Greek interpretation of "Pharisees" from  Strong's Concordance reads a bit more lengthy:

"A sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to OT books the Pharisees                recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life.  They sought praise by outward observance    of external rites and forms of piety, such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers...They prided        themselves on their fancied good works.  The believed in a coming Messiah and that there was life        after death in heaven or Hades based on ones works. They fiercly defended their thocracy to the            Roman's and their sect possessed great influence with the common people.  They, of course were            bitter enemies of the Lord Jesus because He preached forgiveness, mercy, love and grace in addition        to good works."

Much could be said about walking by "sight rather than faith," (I Cor 5.7).  However, the arrogant, blindness of religion and traditions weighs on this writers heart the most today.

It is interesting that the Miracle workers chose a blind man to make His point.  He said in verse 5 of chapter 9, "I am the light of the world."  Bear in mind, the Lord Jesus NEVER does anything without purpose, plan or meaning. His method of healing this man was also unusual; "spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle."  Huge meaning here. Healing a mortal man made from the dust of the earth with the same dust he came from.  Yet, the Lord added "spittle."  I think a type of the Holy Ghost as He is described using the form of water.  Sorry, I digress.  

The Pharisee's standing by, watching it all.  Obviously, even though they were eager to catch the Lord in some error of words or the law, curiosity lay hold and they couldn't walk away.  They asked the question, "How did He make this man see," three times (v10, 15, 26)!  They WOULD not see the plain Truth in front of them! Why?  What blinded their eyes?

In an aggressive manner they began firing questions that pricked their conscience. 

• Isn't this the beggar? (v8)
• Where is this Man, Jesus? (v12)
• How did He do this? (v15)
• How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? (v16)
• What did you say to Him that He would open your eyes? (v17)
• Talking to the blind mans parents, "Is this your son?" (v19)
• Give God the praise, this Jesus is a sinner! (v24)
• Again, they asked, "What did He do to you to make you see?" (v26)
• We are Moses' disciples, don't accuse us of following this man! (v28)
• Who do you think you are (said to the former blind man), that you would teach us?! (v34)
• The Pharisees said to the Lord Jesus, "Are we blind also?" (v40)

So, religion in its finest form is proud, arrogant, self-willed.  Just like Satan said to Eve from the beginning, "Yea hath God said?" (Gen 3.1) He will continue to question EVERYTHING about the Lord Jesus and who He is.  Same song, second, third, fourth....verse.  It never ends while mortal man exists.

It is agreed that one should judge between "good and evil" (Rom 12.21, Isa 5.20, I Cor 15.33, Prov 3.7, Psa 37.27...).  However, when studied out, this blogger believes one would find 'more' on belief than judging.  

Dear reader, check yourself.  Do you simple "believe" He is who He says or would you, like Thomas continue question what you cannot see? (Jn 10.28)

Faith is the "evidence of things not seen." (Heb 11.1)

Household Salvation

John 34 gives much to meditate and study on.  However, part of my believer's heart is found in verses 46-53.  The Lord heals the noblemans son, at the nobleman's request.  But that is not the best part.  Because the nobleman "believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him," (v50) his "whole house" also believed. (v54).

If the recall is correct, since 2015, the Lord has consistently promised me "household salvation."  There are family members that I pray for almost daily for salvation.  As close as some have been and some are to things of the Lord, still they are "not saved." (Jer 8.20)  I won't say this is a doctrine, per se, but I do believe it is encouraged in the scriptures.  Let's start with Noah.

Noah was told "come thou and all thy house into the ark." (Gen 5.32, 7.1)  Then we see in Hebrews 11.7 that he "prepared an ark to the saving of his house...by faith." 

The jailer who held Paul and Silas, on experiencing the earthquake that thrust open the doors of their jail cell, saw a light and fell down to beg, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"  He was told in Acts 16.30, 31 to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, AND thy house."

So it is that "the God of Abraham," (Exo 3.6) who is also the "God of Isaac, Jacob and Joseph..." is evidence enough that the Lord is interested in "familial salvation." So, while "household salvation" is not necessarily a doctrine, there is evidence of the truth of such a blessing.

The patriarchs of the OT believed and told their children and children's children of their belief and experiences concerning the Lord.  It is quite obvious that if Noah's children and their spouses had not believed the Word of the Lord in the coming judgement, they would not have been saved.  We have the rainbow to tell us of the Lord's promise and His Word to tell us of the account of what happened to nonbelievers!  They died! (Gen 6.21)

The NT ushers in the church and the period of grace.  Yet in Rev 21.8 it is quite clear of the end to all nonbelievers.

Back to John 4.  It seems evident that "the nobleman," after experiencing the miracle in his life, "persuaded" his family to the same.  He heard and saw that the Lord did what He said He would do. Jesus said, "...thy son liveth...And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him..." (Jn 4.50) Before he got home, the Lord confirmed by the servants that met him, He had kept His word. (Jn 5.51).  It is also clear that the nobleman was so excited about this experience, he "himself believed and his whole house."    

Thus, by faith, this believer will keep believing and encouraging lost family members to go to church.  This believer will continue to quote scripture as applicable in given situations.  This believer will keep believing and trusting God to bring unsaved family "into the ark."

God bless and keep trusting and believing for your crew!  Ps 57.7

Promises...

 Isaiah 51.3 is rich and full of promises.  Although, they may have been given for God's chosen earthly people, I believe Gentile believers may take them too.  I know I need them today.

"For the Lord shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody."

• comfort waste places - Lord, forgive the time and opportunity I have made "waste."
• wilderness like Eden - Lord, I thank Thee for making my wilderness wanderings like "Eden."
• desert like the garden of the Lord - Father, thank Thee for making my desert like Thy garden.
• joy and gladness shall be found therein - Lord, I praise Thee for restoring my joy and gladness.
• thanksgiving and melody - Sweet Jesus, such wonderful feelings in my heart when you are near.

Simply, Amen.  Ps 57.7