THE GOOD SHEPHERD

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Text: John 10:11 ISV 


“ *I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.* 


For Jesus to say He is the good shepherd, suggests that there are bad shepherd. One distinguishing factor between the good shepherd and the bad is, while the good lay down His life for the sheep,  the others prey on the sheep. John 10:12-13.


Now, you'll wonder why anyone will want to follow a shepherd who will not only expose him to wolves but who will also take advantage of him.

Well,  the answer is simple. Anyone who is not a member of the sheepfold of Christ is an easy prey in the hands of hirelings. 


Jesus said *"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me"* John 10:27.


Two things that stand out the sheepfold of Christ are : 

1. They know and hear the voice of the Shepherd. 


2. They follow the Shepherd.


There are some folks that are yet to know Christ as we speak, but whenever they hear the voice of the Shepherd, they will obey. 


 ```I have other sheep that don’t belong to this fold. I must lead these also, and they’ll listen to my voice. So there will be one flock and one shepherd.``` John 10:16 ISV.


We understand through the scriptures that essentially,  man is categorised into two, viz: the sheep and the goat.


When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

All the nations will be assembled in front of him, and he will cull them out, one from another, like a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left. Matthew 25:31-33.


That is, if you are not a sheep,  then you are a goat. While the sheep will inherit eternal life,  the goats will be eternally condemned. Matt. 25:34 & 41.


This goes to show that it is a fearful thing to hear the voice of the good shepherd and choose to ignore it or disobey His commands. 


Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. Hebrews 3:15.


It is comforting to know that the good shepherd is committed to keeping you to the very end, all He requires is your obedience. 


 *My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.* 

 *I give them eternal life, they’ll never be lost, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.*  John 10:27-28.


 *PRAYER FOCUS* 


1. Father, I receive grace to always hear your voice and to follow you.


Bible Reading: John 10:1-27.


 *CHRIST IMAGE ASSEMBLY* 

+233241109074, +233558355977 https://hisvoicedevotional.blogspot.com

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