January 17, 2010M. OUR GREAT SHEPHERD:

St.Jn. 10:1-21

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1. In chapter nine we saw Jesus heal the blind man.

2. Which brings us to what is said by John in chapter 20, Joh 20:29-31 KJVR Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: (31) But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

3. Each time we read in this glorious book we build our faith, and we know that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Let’s see what chapter 10 holds in store for us:

Joh 10:1-21 KJVR 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. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (6) This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (12) But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (13) The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (14) I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (16) And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (17) Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. (18) No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (19) There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. (20) And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? (21) Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

I am sure that every Pastor reads this portion of Scripture and wishes he could be exactly what it describes. But we can’t. We can work at it, and do what we can, but we will fall short of what it describes.

Jesus doesn’t fall short. He is exactly what it describes. That is why it is so important for you to know him as your personal Shepherd. He is alive and well, and is there for you anytime you need Him.

Listen to David.

Psa 23:1-6 KJVR A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

• Can we be content with this? Just knowing Him personally, I feel blessed. Knowing that He is always with me gives me confidence in all that I do. I know that He is in control of all the things that are going on in my life. He supplies all my needs, and I SHALL NOT WANT.

(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

• Peace, and contentment. With the Lord as your Shepherd, He will help you be at peace with all aspects of life. He will guide you to places of rest, and comfort your heart, and mind with His presence.
• He will not lead you into places where the waters are rough, or dangerous, but peaceful, and calm. If you are in troubled water, it is not the Lord that led you there, but if you will only let Him lead, He will deliver you from those troubled waters, to the still waters of life.

(3) He restoreth my soul:

• When you are down, and out, look to your Great Shepherd, and He will lift you up. Just knowing that He is there, and watching out for you should help you receive the joy that He wants you to have. Jesus cares beyond measure for us, and is concerned about every thing in our lives. He will restore your inner most being. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

• He leads us here because He knows this is what is best for us. What would Jesus do? He would walk in the path of righteousness. So, this is where He wants us to go.

(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

• And don’t you think for one moment that we are not walking in the valley of death, because we are, but we will fear no evil. We know that our Shepherd has all power, and we trust Him with all that we are. He is not some hirling that will run off in the time of danger, but He will stand, and deliver you from whatever it is that is coming against you. His power comforts me.

(5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

• Our Shepherd shows the world that He cares for His sheep. Even in difficult times He makes us to shine before the world.

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

• Christians, we are truly the most blessed people in the world. Our needs are small, and He meets them all.

(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Yes, our Great Shepherd will be with us all the days of our lives, and then one day we shall dwell in His house forever, and ever, and ever.

LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO, YOU HAVE THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE, YOU ARE TRULY OUR GREAT SHEPHERD. GUIDE US, AND HELP US TO FOLLOW.