“If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” — Matthew 16:24
The story is told about a man who went to the Lord and complained that his cross was too heavy to bear. The Lord showed him a room where He stored the crosses and told the man to choose the cross of his liking. The man searched and searched all around the room but all of the crosses were large and cumbersome. Finally, completely dejected, he spotted a small cross near the door where he had entered. Hurrying over to it he exclaimed, “Lord, I’ll take this one!” “My child,” the Lord said gently, “that is the cross you brought in.” Author unknown
By its very definition a cross is cursed. It is difficult. It is cumbersome. It is hurtful. And we will bend under the load of it unless we are following our Lord. Reread what Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” The cross then, is the denial of our self, the denial of anything and everything that prevents us from following Christ. How difficult that is unless we die to self—daily (I Corinthians 15:31).
In the context of the verse, Jesus had just told His disciples He was going to die, and Peter had taken Him aside and rebuked Him. Peter loved Jesus and he didn’t want Him to suffer. Peter was trying to get Jesus to bypass the cross and choose the easy way. But Jesus chose the cross, and Hebrews 12:2 tells us He endured it with joy—just for us.
So, if Jesus endured the cross for us with joy, should it not be our joy to endure our cross for Him? What then does that look like walked out in shoe leather? It is the denial of our self. When someone hurts us, we deny our self the quick retort that immediately springs to mind. We allow others to go before us. We think of others before we think of ourselves. We think how they will feel if we do or say what we are thinking—and we deny ourselves—and love them in return.
Simply put, we walk through life with a gentle spirit. We settle our spirit down so that our outward walk manifests the quiet spirit that is within. This does not come overnight nor does it come easily. It comes with prayer and practice. When we fail, we ask forgiveness and begin again in the strength of the Lord.
Denying ourselves and taking up our own cross is admitting that we are no longer our own person. We now belong to Christ. We are a gift from our Father to His Son (John 17:6). We were bought at a very high price—God’s only Son. Since we no longer own ourselves, we are not entitled to defend ourselves. We have no rights. Everything we have belongs to God. Indeed, all of our being belongs to God. We “follow after Christ” and it is up to Him to take care of us, give us strength to carry our cross, feed us, clothe us, and provide all that we need for today (Matthew 6:25-34).
For the joy that is set before you, pleasing your Father, take up your cross today and follow after Christ. And tonight take anything that has hurt you and everything that you have overcome, and offer it up to God as a wonderful sacrificial bouquet. And then, lay your head down on your pillow and rest, knowing that your life today has been a pleasing aroma to your Lord (Exodus 29:18).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 5:3
Recommended Reading
Matthew 10:37-39
Romans 8:5-11; 12:1-2
Philippians 2:1-11; 3:7-14
Revelation 22:12
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Prisoner
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)
The cell is small, cold and dark—barely wide enough to lie down—not high enough to stand up. The dampness penetrates the old man’s bones. He shivers, suffering greatly, deprived of even the barest necessities.
The food is almost inedible, gruel mostly. Moldy bread when he is lucky. Nothing to drink. No coat. No blanket. No pen or parchments. Deserted by friends and family, it is dangerous to be seen with him now. The dungeon at best—death sentence at worst.
Paul, the prisoner of Christ, is alone.
He is counting on Timothy, his son in the faith, to come for a visit. Timothy will bring his coat and his parchments, and John Mark. He can hardly wait to see them.
Paul is lonely. He has had only the Roman Elite Guard for company, to whom he is chained 24/7. There are the other prisoners, a few of whom are still violent, but many of whom are converted now. If you are fortunate enough to be in Paul’s company you will learn about his Lord—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Will Timothy and Mark make it before I go?” he ponders audibly, longing to see them one last time. The Lord has made it clear to Paul that he will soon make his final move—to heaven.
Ah, the blessedness of that thought. He’s been there—to the third heaven. Saw inexpressible things. Things that mortal man cannot utter (II Corinthians 12:1-10). Any day now he will go to be with the Lord, and-he-can-hardly-wait. To see the Lord Jesus and hear the angels sing again . . . ah, the rapture of it.
He shivers again from the cold and dampness.
He has nearly finished his race. He has written the letters the Lord Jesus instructed him to write. He has corrected doctrine, encouraged the brethren, and rebuked those who were leaving grace and returning to Law. He has reminded everyone to live a life worthy of the high calling of Christ Jesus.
Yeah, he has completed his course.
Life is behind him now. He will soon be poured out like a drink offering. The anticipation is welling up in his heart. Any day now, he-will-see-Jesus. He would not have to return to this old world again. This time, he will remain in the Presence of the Lord—forever.
He shivers again. This time it is not from the cold, but from the sheer glory of knowing that he will soon leave his old body behind and make his final move.
He begins to hum. Then he breaks out in a song. The other prisoners come to full consciousness. Even though Paul’s voice is old and raspy now, it sounds beautiful to them. They can hardly believe what they’re hearing. This old man is a Christian. All Christians have a death sentence on their head. . . .
Why on earth is he singing?
The guards and the prisoners try to join in. They are new to the Way, so they don’t know the words—but they try to hum along.
They can’t quite believe how joyful he is. But they know this old gentleman, and they have learned to love him and admire his amazing courage. They are now personally acquainted with Paul’s God.
The prisoner of Christ is ready to go home.
What about you, my friend—are you ready to go home? Have you lived a life worthy of the calling you have received? If today was your last day on earth, would you be able to meet the Lord Jesus with a clear conscience that you had completed all that He had given you to do?
Are you a prisoner of Christ—seeking His kingdom—first? We all belong to someone. Whose prisoner are you? Who pulls your chain? Someone has you shackled and firmly in their grip.
Is it Christ Jesus? Or is it the enemy?
You can tell who you’re serving by whom or what occupies the majority of your time and thought. You can tell by how much joy you have in your heart—or how much turmoil.
Are you in a spiritual prison? An emotional prison? Are you shackled by unforgiveness and bitterness? Maybe your prison is an abusive spouse who continually batters and bruises you, physically, emotionally, or both. Are you in the prison of financial difficulties? Is your prison a job you don’t like or a boss you can’t follow?
You may be in the prison of mediocrity. You know the one. You do your own thing and wonder why God isn’t blessing you. You don’t give appropriately. You don’t attend church regularly. You aren’t involved. You don’t work in your gifted area—you don’t even know what your spiritual gift is.
Ah, someone else will volunteer. . . .
Whatever your prison, God is able to give you a song. He doesn’t always deliver us out of our prisons. But He will always give us strength to overcome them. He will always give us a song in the night. And when you can’t find God, remember, He hasn’t moved. You will find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
God doesn’t play second fiddle!
Paul never complained about the cold, the dampness, or the bad food. We gain insight into the conditions he suffered from historical writings.
While Paul was enduring the extremely severe conditions of a Roman prison, and shackled 24/7 to the Roman Elite Guards, he wrote several epistles, and shared the gospel with everyone within hearing, including those in Caesar’s household. And as a result all of them came to believe in the Jesus Paul knew.
What are you doing for the Lord in your prison?
Are you fulfilling your calling? Are you sharing Christ with those in your sphere of influence? Are you teaching? Helping with the children? Cleaning the church? Giving, perhaps to those who are less fortunate? Writing cards of encouragement to others who are hurting? Are you praying for the needs of others? Are you doing whatever you can. . . ?
I learned many years ago that encouraging others is wonderful therapy and an antidote for suffering. I was house bound for six years as caregiver for my mom, my husband, and then his mom.
There were days that I was so lonely for outside fellowship, but I couldn’t leave the house and my ailing charges. I learned to sit down at my desk, open my Bible to the Psalms, and write cards of encouragement to those I knew were struggling.
It is impossible to write cards of encouragement from the Word and remain in a prison of discouragement. When I had finished, my heart was singing and I was joyful in the Lord. My circumstances had not changed, but my shackles were loosed and my prison doors had flown open.
I was free—and soaring like an eagle!
And so, my friend, unlock those shackles that have you bound. You are a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ! That is a high and lofty calling that sets you free from the cares of this old world. Go ahead, pour your life into others—and give God praise for setting you free.
Praise the Name of the Lord. Praise Him for Who He is. Praise Him for His wonders. Praise Him for His plans for you—they are wonderful plans.
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with the harp and lyre, Praise him with tambourine and dancing, Praise him with the strings and flute, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 150)
Recommended Reading
Ephesians 1:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 3:1, 7, 14-21
Ephesians 4:1-6, 24-32
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
The cell is small, cold and dark—barely wide enough to lie down—not high enough to stand up. The dampness penetrates the old man’s bones. He shivers, suffering greatly, deprived of even the barest necessities.
The food is almost inedible, gruel mostly. Moldy bread when he is lucky. Nothing to drink. No coat. No blanket. No pen or parchments. Deserted by friends and family, it is dangerous to be seen with him now. The dungeon at best—death sentence at worst.
Paul, the prisoner of Christ, is alone.
He is counting on Timothy, his son in the faith, to come for a visit. Timothy will bring his coat and his parchments, and John Mark. He can hardly wait to see them.
Paul is lonely. He has had only the Roman Elite Guard for company, to whom he is chained 24/7. There are the other prisoners, a few of whom are still violent, but many of whom are converted now. If you are fortunate enough to be in Paul’s company you will learn about his Lord—the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Will Timothy and Mark make it before I go?” he ponders audibly, longing to see them one last time. The Lord has made it clear to Paul that he will soon make his final move—to heaven.
Ah, the blessedness of that thought. He’s been there—to the third heaven. Saw inexpressible things. Things that mortal man cannot utter (II Corinthians 12:1-10). Any day now he will go to be with the Lord, and-he-can-hardly-wait. To see the Lord Jesus and hear the angels sing again . . . ah, the rapture of it.
He shivers again from the cold and dampness.
He has nearly finished his race. He has written the letters the Lord Jesus instructed him to write. He has corrected doctrine, encouraged the brethren, and rebuked those who were leaving grace and returning to Law. He has reminded everyone to live a life worthy of the high calling of Christ Jesus.
Yeah, he has completed his course.
Life is behind him now. He will soon be poured out like a drink offering. The anticipation is welling up in his heart. Any day now, he-will-see-Jesus. He would not have to return to this old world again. This time, he will remain in the Presence of the Lord—forever.
He shivers again. This time it is not from the cold, but from the sheer glory of knowing that he will soon leave his old body behind and make his final move.
He begins to hum. Then he breaks out in a song. The other prisoners come to full consciousness. Even though Paul’s voice is old and raspy now, it sounds beautiful to them. They can hardly believe what they’re hearing. This old man is a Christian. All Christians have a death sentence on their head. . . .
Why on earth is he singing?
The guards and the prisoners try to join in. They are new to the Way, so they don’t know the words—but they try to hum along.
They can’t quite believe how joyful he is. But they know this old gentleman, and they have learned to love him and admire his amazing courage. They are now personally acquainted with Paul’s God.
The prisoner of Christ is ready to go home.
What about you, my friend—are you ready to go home? Have you lived a life worthy of the calling you have received? If today was your last day on earth, would you be able to meet the Lord Jesus with a clear conscience that you had completed all that He had given you to do?
Are you a prisoner of Christ—seeking His kingdom—first? We all belong to someone. Whose prisoner are you? Who pulls your chain? Someone has you shackled and firmly in their grip.
Is it Christ Jesus? Or is it the enemy?
You can tell who you’re serving by whom or what occupies the majority of your time and thought. You can tell by how much joy you have in your heart—or how much turmoil.
Are you in a spiritual prison? An emotional prison? Are you shackled by unforgiveness and bitterness? Maybe your prison is an abusive spouse who continually batters and bruises you, physically, emotionally, or both. Are you in the prison of financial difficulties? Is your prison a job you don’t like or a boss you can’t follow?
You may be in the prison of mediocrity. You know the one. You do your own thing and wonder why God isn’t blessing you. You don’t give appropriately. You don’t attend church regularly. You aren’t involved. You don’t work in your gifted area—you don’t even know what your spiritual gift is.
Ah, someone else will volunteer. . . .
Whatever your prison, God is able to give you a song. He doesn’t always deliver us out of our prisons. But He will always give us strength to overcome them. He will always give us a song in the night. And when you can’t find God, remember, He hasn’t moved. You will find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
God doesn’t play second fiddle!
Paul never complained about the cold, the dampness, or the bad food. We gain insight into the conditions he suffered from historical writings.
While Paul was enduring the extremely severe conditions of a Roman prison, and shackled 24/7 to the Roman Elite Guards, he wrote several epistles, and shared the gospel with everyone within hearing, including those in Caesar’s household. And as a result all of them came to believe in the Jesus Paul knew.
What are you doing for the Lord in your prison?
Are you fulfilling your calling? Are you sharing Christ with those in your sphere of influence? Are you teaching? Helping with the children? Cleaning the church? Giving, perhaps to those who are less fortunate? Writing cards of encouragement to others who are hurting? Are you praying for the needs of others? Are you doing whatever you can. . . ?
I learned many years ago that encouraging others is wonderful therapy and an antidote for suffering. I was house bound for six years as caregiver for my mom, my husband, and then his mom.
There were days that I was so lonely for outside fellowship, but I couldn’t leave the house and my ailing charges. I learned to sit down at my desk, open my Bible to the Psalms, and write cards of encouragement to those I knew were struggling.
It is impossible to write cards of encouragement from the Word and remain in a prison of discouragement. When I had finished, my heart was singing and I was joyful in the Lord. My circumstances had not changed, but my shackles were loosed and my prison doors had flown open.
I was free—and soaring like an eagle!
And so, my friend, unlock those shackles that have you bound. You are a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ! That is a high and lofty calling that sets you free from the cares of this old world. Go ahead, pour your life into others—and give God praise for setting you free.
Praise the Name of the Lord. Praise Him for Who He is. Praise Him for His wonders. Praise Him for His plans for you—they are wonderful plans.
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; Praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, Praise him with the harp and lyre, Praise him with tambourine and dancing, Praise him with the strings and flute, Praise him with the clash of cymbals, Praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
(Psalm 150)
Recommended Reading
Ephesians 1:1-11
Ephesians 2:1-10
Ephesians 3:1, 7, 14-21
Ephesians 4:1-6, 24-32
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Crowds
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them (Matthew 5:1).
The crowds were a mess!
Some were blind. Some were lame. Some had leprosy. Some were hungry. Some needed a miracle. Some wanted to see a miracle. Most just wanted food. But they all wanted—something.
They didn’t want the Kingdom of God.
They just wanted. . . .
Need wine at a wedding? Call Jesus. Need to feed a large crowd? Call Jesus. Need someone raised from the dead? Call Jesus. Need the temple cleared? Call Jesus. Need your storm calmed? Call Jesus. Need. . . ? Call Jesus.
The crowds wanted a magician . . . they needed a Savior.
Jesus was going to teach the Precepts of His Kingdom to His disciples. They would shepherd the crowds in due time. So His disciples came to Him to learn.
They didn’t really have in mind the things of God either. That would take them some time . . . and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then they would set the world on fire with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For now, Jesus was content to teach His disciples. He knew they would step up to the plate—in His timing. Jesus looked out beyond His disciples at the crowd and He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus still looks at the crowds today. He looks into my life and all of those I come into contact with. And He looks into your life and those in your sphere of influence. He sees the people, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And He has compassion on them . . . do you?
Do you see people within your sphere of influence as sheep, harassed and helpless, in need of a shepherd?
The great Bible Teacher, Kay Arthur says:
“Sheep are the dumbest of all animals. They are helpless, timid, and feeble. They require constant attention and meticulous care. Sheep have little means of self-defense. If they do not have the constant care of a shepherd, they will go the wrong way, unaware of the dangers at hand. They have been known to nibble themselves right off a mountainside. If they are not led to proper pastures, they will obliviously eat or drink things that are disastrous to them. Not only that, they will literally live their lives in a rut if the shepherd does not lead them to new pastures. Sheep easily fall prey to other animals; when they do, they are virtually defenseless without their shepherd to protect them. Sheep can also become cast down and, in that state, panic and die. And so, because sheep are sheep, they need shepherds to care for them!”1
People need a Shepherd too. When they have no Shepherd they are defenseless from predators, vulnerable to disease, and susceptible to their own worldly thought processes.
Look at the world around you. It is a mess!
The enemy is rampant. Paul’s words to Timothy could be written today in the local newspaper in Any City, USA.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Peter warned us: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
The enemy is destroying lives. Suicide is on the increase, as is divorce, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, murder, rape, robbery, and every other sort of crime. But we have a Shepherd Who watches over us. He leads—we follow. When we stray or wander away from Him, we, too, become vulnerable to the tactics of the enemy.
Jesus said: “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. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:14-15, 27-29).
So, my friend, are you following your Shepherd? If so, you will think as He thinks. You will look upon the crowds, those within your sphere of influence, as harassed and helpless sheep without a Shepherd, and see them with compassion.
We are to listen to the voice of the Master Shepherd so that we may influence the crowds around us. We are to stay close to our Shepherd by spending time in His Word and prayer, so that we can impact the crowds in our world for the kingdom.
Perhaps you feel like one of the crowd, harassed and beaten up. Your world may have fallen apart and the enemy has attacked you on every hand. Maybe you have been on the receiving end of abuse, unforgiveness and slander.
The Shepherd has an abundance of grace and peace for you.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Or maybe you have wandered away from your Shepherd like the sheep Kay Arthur spoke of. If so, there is an easy way back. It’s called repentance. It is making a U-turn and running toward your Shepherd. He is always watching and waiting, and He will welcome you with open arms.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, emphasis mine).
Wow—to be kissed by God. . . !
Don’t accept the lie of the enemy that no one loves you, that God is angry with you, or any such nonsense that he dishes out. He is a liar and the father of lies. It is his native tongue (John 8:44). He is a thief and robber (John 10:1), and he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Christ Jesus, Jehovah Raah, is our Shepherd. He laid down His life for us (John 10:11). The cross forever proves His love. Guilt will drive us from the cross. Humility will drive us to it. Know who you are, dear friend; a sheep of the Master Shepherd.
He will care for you—and you in turn will care for the crowds. . . .
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever (Psalm 23).
Recommended Reading
Romans 1:26-30
I Thessalonians 1:4-10
I Thessalonians 3:12-13
I Thessalonians 4:1-12
I Thessalonians 5:12-28
II Thessalonians 1:3
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Notes
1. Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
The crowds were a mess!
Some were blind. Some were lame. Some had leprosy. Some were hungry. Some needed a miracle. Some wanted to see a miracle. Most just wanted food. But they all wanted—something.
They didn’t want the Kingdom of God.
They just wanted. . . .
Need wine at a wedding? Call Jesus. Need to feed a large crowd? Call Jesus. Need someone raised from the dead? Call Jesus. Need the temple cleared? Call Jesus. Need your storm calmed? Call Jesus. Need. . . ? Call Jesus.
The crowds wanted a magician . . . they needed a Savior.
Jesus was going to teach the Precepts of His Kingdom to His disciples. They would shepherd the crowds in due time. So His disciples came to Him to learn.
They didn’t really have in mind the things of God either. That would take them some time . . . and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Then they would set the world on fire with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For now, Jesus was content to teach His disciples. He knew they would step up to the plate—in His timing. Jesus looked out beyond His disciples at the crowd and He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus still looks at the crowds today. He looks into my life and all of those I come into contact with. And He looks into your life and those in your sphere of influence. He sees the people, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And He has compassion on them . . . do you?
Do you see people within your sphere of influence as sheep, harassed and helpless, in need of a shepherd?
The great Bible Teacher, Kay Arthur says:
“Sheep are the dumbest of all animals. They are helpless, timid, and feeble. They require constant attention and meticulous care. Sheep have little means of self-defense. If they do not have the constant care of a shepherd, they will go the wrong way, unaware of the dangers at hand. They have been known to nibble themselves right off a mountainside. If they are not led to proper pastures, they will obliviously eat or drink things that are disastrous to them. Not only that, they will literally live their lives in a rut if the shepherd does not lead them to new pastures. Sheep easily fall prey to other animals; when they do, they are virtually defenseless without their shepherd to protect them. Sheep can also become cast down and, in that state, panic and die. And so, because sheep are sheep, they need shepherds to care for them!”1
People need a Shepherd too. When they have no Shepherd they are defenseless from predators, vulnerable to disease, and susceptible to their own worldly thought processes.
Look at the world around you. It is a mess!
The enemy is rampant. Paul’s words to Timothy could be written today in the local newspaper in Any City, USA.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them” (II Timothy 3:1-5).
Peter warned us: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
The enemy is destroying lives. Suicide is on the increase, as is divorce, child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, murder, rape, robbery, and every other sort of crime. But we have a Shepherd Who watches over us. He leads—we follow. When we stray or wander away from Him, we, too, become vulnerable to the tactics of the enemy.
Jesus said: “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. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:14-15, 27-29).
So, my friend, are you following your Shepherd? If so, you will think as He thinks. You will look upon the crowds, those within your sphere of influence, as harassed and helpless sheep without a Shepherd, and see them with compassion.
We are to listen to the voice of the Master Shepherd so that we may influence the crowds around us. We are to stay close to our Shepherd by spending time in His Word and prayer, so that we can impact the crowds in our world for the kingdom.
Perhaps you feel like one of the crowd, harassed and beaten up. Your world may have fallen apart and the enemy has attacked you on every hand. Maybe you have been on the receiving end of abuse, unforgiveness and slander.
The Shepherd has an abundance of grace and peace for you.
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Or maybe you have wandered away from your Shepherd like the sheep Kay Arthur spoke of. If so, there is an easy way back. It’s called repentance. It is making a U-turn and running toward your Shepherd. He is always watching and waiting, and He will welcome you with open arms.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, emphasis mine).
Wow—to be kissed by God. . . !
Don’t accept the lie of the enemy that no one loves you, that God is angry with you, or any such nonsense that he dishes out. He is a liar and the father of lies. It is his native tongue (John 8:44). He is a thief and robber (John 10:1), and he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Christ Jesus, Jehovah Raah, is our Shepherd. He laid down His life for us (John 10:11). The cross forever proves His love. Guilt will drive us from the cross. Humility will drive us to it. Know who you are, dear friend; a sheep of the Master Shepherd.
He will care for you—and you in turn will care for the crowds. . . .
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
for you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever (Psalm 23).
Recommended Reading
Romans 1:26-30
I Thessalonians 1:4-10
I Thessalonians 3:12-13
I Thessalonians 4:1-12
I Thessalonians 5:12-28
II Thessalonians 1:3
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Notes
1. Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You
Copyright © 2009 by Peggy Britt. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
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