Post by foxjj on Oct 6, 2022 7:09:13 GMT
MY Sheep Hear My Voice
God was often referred to as The Shepherd of Israel in Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 40:11: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Who is not familiar with the comforting words of Psalms 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
The ancient land of Palestine was known for its sheep herding because the land was ideal for grazing. Among the many requirements for large numbers of sheep was the sacrificial system of the Temple in Jerusalem. Bethlehem - the town where Jesus was born - with its close proximity to Jerusalem was ideal for raising sheep for the Temple. Consequently, when speaking to the people Jesus would often use shepherding and sheep in His teachings as in John chapter 10.
One of the more well know portions of John 10 is when Jesus made a profound statement concerning His identity: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —and I lay down my life for the sheep. 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. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life —only to take it up again.”(John 10:14-17)
One can imagine the confusion that such a statement made among His listeners. Here was a teacher claiming to have followers, (as in sheep), among the people of Israel, and will also be calling followers from the Gentiles. Not only that, but He also claims equality with God. To the Jewish leadership this was blasphemy, deserving of death. However, many were prepared to continue listening, and even followed Jesus because of the evidence of His ministry.
And so it is today, many ignore or even deny the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Among this group are those so against Him that they persecute His followers. On the other hand, millions have heard His voice call to them and dedicated their lives to following the Good Shepherd - their Savior and Lord. As Christians, we are the blessed ones knowing peace in our lives, because we have a Shepherd who has redeemed us. Praise His Holy Name.
Today, let us continue serving our Lord and God.
John Joseph Fox.
God was often referred to as The Shepherd of Israel in Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 40:11: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Who is not familiar with the comforting words of Psalms 23:1-3: “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
The ancient land of Palestine was known for its sheep herding because the land was ideal for grazing. Among the many requirements for large numbers of sheep was the sacrificial system of the Temple in Jerusalem. Bethlehem - the town where Jesus was born - with its close proximity to Jerusalem was ideal for raising sheep for the Temple. Consequently, when speaking to the people Jesus would often use shepherding and sheep in His teachings as in John chapter 10.
One of the more well know portions of John 10 is when Jesus made a profound statement concerning His identity: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —and I lay down my life for the sheep. 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. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life —only to take it up again.”(John 10:14-17)
One can imagine the confusion that such a statement made among His listeners. Here was a teacher claiming to have followers, (as in sheep), among the people of Israel, and will also be calling followers from the Gentiles. Not only that, but He also claims equality with God. To the Jewish leadership this was blasphemy, deserving of death. However, many were prepared to continue listening, and even followed Jesus because of the evidence of His ministry.
And so it is today, many ignore or even deny the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Among this group are those so against Him that they persecute His followers. On the other hand, millions have heard His voice call to them and dedicated their lives to following the Good Shepherd - their Savior and Lord. As Christians, we are the blessed ones knowing peace in our lives, because we have a Shepherd who has redeemed us. Praise His Holy Name.
Today, let us continue serving our Lord and God.
John Joseph Fox.