Friday, July 1, 2011
Just Like Sheep
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. —John 10:27
I read an article awhile ago about 450 sheep that fell to their deaths in Turkey. According to the article, one sheep jumped off a cliff, and then 1,500 others followed.
Not only will sheep follow other sheep, but they also will follow goats. In fact, that is how sheep come to be slaughtered. A “Judas goat” is used to lead the sheep up a ramp to be slaughtered. They will get in line and actually follow the Judas goat to their deaths.
We may think sheep are stupid animals, but we sometimes do things that are outright stupid as well. Don’t we try at times to run from God? Don’t we disobey the Word of God? Don’t we resist His will in our lives? Of course we do. The Bible tells us, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way . . . ” (Isaiah 53:6). That is just the way we are. We are just like sheep.
So instead of following other sheep—and certainly not a Judas goat—we should follow the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27). The word Jesus used for “follow” in this verse speaks of someone who deliberately decides to comply with instructions.
It means that we come to realize God’s plan for us is better than our plan for ourselves. And when He leads us to a different place, it is for our ultimate good. Maybe it is not for our temporary good. Maybe it doesn’t make complete sense. But He has a plan. And we are to follow Him and comply.
Summary Sentence: We are just like sheep! How is that?
Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
Is “happily ever after” possible?
Whether you are thinking about marriage, are newly married, or have been married for many years, this book will guide you to build, strengthen, or repair the biblical foundation of your marriage. For the couple whose marriage is hanging by a thread, it is not too late to have your marriage be what God designed. The application of the biblical principles found in this book, will make your marriage stronger than it has ever been before.
“It is God’s desire that your marriage be a vibrant, flourishing, blessed marriage…dare I say a happy marriage?” –Greg Laurie
You can have Married. Happily. in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month.
