May 18
1 Sam 22:1-23:29 | PS 115:1-18 | Prov 15:18-19 | John 10:1-21
In Romans 3:12, we read, "...There is none who does good, no, not one". That is very clear, yet, we live as though it is vague. In our nature, we seek to be led. We lift certain people up. These people we trust, depend on, seek guidance from, etc. There is nothing wrong with this to a point, as a leaderless society will result in anarchy. But everyone lifted up will eventually disappoint. Why? Because none of us are good. We on earth still have flesh, still sin, still seek self satisfaction. Through the years I have looked up to certain athletes, politicians, leaders in my profession, etc. But over time, each one's flaws become apparent. This should not lead to discouragement, but should cause us to seek after the One who will not disappoint, to the One who is not flawed, to the One who literally gave up His life for us, to Jesus Christ, our Messiah, our Perfect Prince, our One true leader, Our true Shepherd.
Please read slowly in Jesus' own words, John 10:11-16, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd." Later Jesus will state in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."
Many are lost or disillusioned. Many feel they have been lied to or taken advantage of. Many feel as though they can't trust anyone. Though all of this might be true, we can love others, and seek guidance from others, understanding that we are all flawed people, sinners, each and every one. We will disappoint only if we are held to an unrealistic standard. This realization should make all seek the One who will never disappoint, our Good Shepherd. He is real and He is perfect. He is always available, and will accept you, no matter what your past looks like. He has already paid the price for all of your sins, and now He is simply waiting for you to accept Him as your Shepherd, so that you can join the flock of other believers. How do you do this? Repent, or change your mind about every sinful part of your being. This does not mean that you become perfect, it simply means that you change your mind about your sins and align yourself with Jesus and accept His standards. He knows our flawed state. Then accept what He did so many years ago when He died on the cross for our sins. Allow His blood to pour upon you, as you experience forgiveness and freedom. Then make Him the Lord of your life, your Shepherd. Grow in your relationship with a steady diet of reading His Word, in prayer, in worship, in church, in fellowship, etc. He is the Good Shepherd, He will lead you, if you allow yourself to be led.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: