Scripture: John
10:1–10
As we work through the readings for Good Shepherd Sunday
(the 4th Sunday of Easter), we read of Jesus describing himself as a
shepherd for the flock which follows him and listens to his voice. The reading
actually stops one verse short of Jesus’ statement, “I am the good shepherd.”
Nonetheless, the imagery is here as Jesus contrasts himself and his desire to
rescue his people with the work of the devil and others who seek to destroy
them. This reading shows the importance of hearing Jesus’ voice to protect us
and save us from the dangers and temptations of this world.
Teaching
A story is told of a group of Americans visiting the Holy
Land. One noted a flock of sheep with a man walking behind them herding them
forward. He asked the guide about this reading and sheep following the shepherd’s
voice. In response the guide went and spoke to the man with the sheep. He
returned smiling as he reported, “That man is not the shepherd. He is the
butcher.” There is joy in following Jesus instead of being herded by the world
which demands conformity with its will.
There is an enemy in this world. To some that statement
might seem obvious, but more and more it seems that belief that the devil is
real and that he seeks our harm is ridiculed. However, just as when sheep go to
pasture care must be taken to protect them from predators, as we go about this
world our Lord Jesus takes care to protect us. It is his desire that we have
abundant life through him despite the thief’s desire to steal, kill, and
destroy us.
Life
The way Jesus protects us from the thief is by his voice –
his Word. This is one of the reasons activities like daily devotions and
consistent worship attendance are important. We want to be where we can hear his
voice with lead us and keeps us in Jesus’ fold – the whole group of those who
believe in him.
Of course, we pray for God’s protection as well, especially
as we pray, “… and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” That
last bit is actually better translated as, “… deliver us from the evil one,”
which fits with the thief who steals, kills, and destroys. What is fascinating
about this prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, is that it comes to us from the Shepherd
himself, and we speak the Shepherd’s words even as he himself joins us in
prayer.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are the Shepherd who guides us with his voice.
You are the Door that allows us into your fold. Thank you for making us your
own and for protecting us with your Word as we live in this world. Forgive us
for times that we have ignored your voice and strayed in our own ways. Forgive
us for the times we’ve listened to the thief’s voice instead of yours. Give us
your Holy Spirit so that we may love your voice more and more, and listen
closely to it in your Word as you speak to us of our sin and the forgiveness
you won for us, saving us from the one who would steal us away from you, kill us,
and destroy your people. Keep us firm in faith that we may follow you gladly
trusting that you will provide all we need. Amen.
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