The past 21-Days, we have spent a great deal of time focusing on and preparing to make an impact in our world with the Gospel - after all - We called to be Witnesses, Ambassadors or Christ, Ministers of Reconciliation. We can spend a lot of time focusing on the heart-condition of others. But as you finish the 21-Day Prayer and Fasting Journey, how is YOUR heart? Are you committed to following Christ where he leads you and to whom he leads you? We were made to lead others to follow him, but we can't lead others where we have not been ourselves. Let's pause and remember -
We are all made to follow!
In John 10:1-11, Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7 So Jesus again said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
When you read John 10 you hear a lot of "shepherd" language. The Jewish leaders knew a lot about shepherding, but even they had a hard time understanding. It's probably difficult for us to get it too, but he uses shepherd language because this message was about leaders and followers. The whole conversation was about leading in following.
Here's why? Because when Jesus looked at the poeple, He saw them wandering aimlessly – no direction, no care - no passion – no purpose – no hope – EMPTY! They were pursued by thieves & robbers: empty promises. They were being sold lies! There was no one to lead them to the truth of abundant life in Christ!
We're often lied to as well. When we think of abundance in our culture, it’s usually in terms of having more than enough or everything we want. This is where you can recognize the thief at work deep within our hearts. What is the opposite of abundance? Empty life, not enough, dissatisfied. Our hearts are deep, black holes of discontentment relentlessy screaming “I WANT MORE” give me more! Always consuming – never satisfied - and it can completely consume our minds a
"Abundant" in a biblical sense means, uncommon, beyond measure; more than expected.
Abundant life is something people are desperately searching for. Maybe even you.
We were made to follow Christ – - He is teh great shepherd and all of life is found in him!
Let's commit to faithfullly follow Him in 2020!