Month: December 2024

Every knee will bow, every tongue confess that you are Lord, mighty to save, mighty to heal – yet intimately concerned for each one of us.

” Immanuel, the name I was called when I was born – God with us shows that I was and still am so concerned for each one of you that I took on flesh and became as a servant to serve you all, to seek you out, to understand from your level the difficulties of a hostile world, to experience the pain each one of you experiences. So at this time it is so good to remember this dual role, mighty creator, powerful beyond imagination, in the form of a helpless baby – choosing to do this salvation by placing myself on a cross to bring you close and prevent you from becoming eternally separated from Me and all My goodness. May this truth be very real to you all in the next days as you celebrate it all.”

Back in John ch 10, we are reminded of the two metaphors Jesus uses to describe Himself. Firstly He calls Himself “the Gate “, which we looked at last week. Which really focusses on the exclusivity of Himself as the only way of entry into the sheep pen. This week we will focus on His role as Shepherd.

This is such a common name and metaphor for both God and Jesus in the Old and New Testament that it is perhaps easy to become used to it without appreciating the full depth of meaning. A shepherd in biblical times had a different role from what we would understand today. He literally lived with his sheep. At night he would lead them into an enclosure where they would be safe. He would usually sleep with them, lying in the gate to protect them. By day he would lead them out to whatever pasture was available. The sheep trusted him fully and followed him, while he knew each one with its quirks by name. He was so committed that a good shepherd would even be prepared to die in an effort to protect them from a lion or bear or even a robber. See David’s testimony in 1 Samuel 17:34,34 where he challenges Goliath with the words that he had killed a lion and a bear with his bare hands while protecting his sheep.

In this chapter Jesus takes for granted that that would be the picture in the listeners minds as He uses this metaphor. While we understand that He cares for each one of us individually, there is also a bigger picture in His mind. The flock as a whole is His big concern – the church. Not only what those people represent v 16, but the church worldwide. “I ‘have other sheep not of this pen. I must bring them in also.”’

Three times vv 15b, 17, 18 Jesus repeats His statement that He lays down His life for His sheep. He makes it clear that His life is not taken from Him but that He voluntarily lays it down. He moves beyond the possibility to the fact. He isn’t only prepared to die He has chosen this very path. That is the extent of His commitment. In vs 18 there is an interesting twist- He is doing this in obedience to the Father’s command.

In vv 19 – 21 we see how John once again shows the people divided as to His true identity. He is calling the reader to make that decision for him/herself.

Now it is so important that we personalise these metaphors. What is the role and identity of this Shepherd to you? Can you feel, smell, taste this scene? Can you sense the security and love expressed? Not in a general way but for you personally? The knowledge that He knows you personally on the deepest level and care’s about everything in your life and that you have the privilege of knowing Him. That His care and commitment has reached its full expression in His death on the cross.

Oh what love is this that He has given His life, His all for you personally and for me? May this be the reality in your mind and heart next Wednesday as we welcome Immanuel. May you indeed meet Him in a new and deeper way this Christmas.

The enigma of our faith: the Lord of the universe, Creator of all – lying in a dirty stable as a helpless baby – on His knees washing His disciples feet – dragged, flogged, crucified – the worst form of death – blood running down His face from a crown of thorns – now a lamb, but a Lamb upon a throne crowned with many crowns – all for us – to purchase as back from the grip of eternal death – worthy, yes worthy is this Lamb, I fall on my knees and worship you Lord.

“As your eyes have been opened to see the real universe, the unseen reality of what is going on around you and in the heavenly realms you are slowly perceiving how precious I feel you are. Not only you but every bit of my creation, especially man, in all the complexity. I have created you, each one a masterpiece, treasured and loved. Recognise how much it hurts Me when people turn away from Me, disregard Me, mock Me – act as if I don’t exist. But I continue loving till the day when all will be separated and judgement comes. But you are part of My flock and will be welcomed into the new heavens and new earth.”

John, in his gospel has been revealing who Jesus is. He has been using various methods, one of which is by several metaphors to highlight different aspects of this Person, Jesus of Nazareth. So He is “the Word”, “the Light of men”,”the Lamb of God”, “the Living water”, “the Bread of Life”. Each one of these metaphors carries a meaning, a deep meaning, helping us to understand more about Him. Then in ch 9 the stark reminder that to perceive and understand all this and what has gone before we need our eyes opened, spiritually.

In ch 10 he picks up some more metaphors. He uses a Gate and a Shepherd. We will focus on just one today, “the Gate”. What it means in this context and to each one of us personally.

What is a gate or door? What does it represent? It is the (legal) way to enter an enclosure. The only legal way. So Jesus’s first point is there is an enclosure in which the legal owner keeps His sheep. The only one who has the right to enter is the Shepherd or owner. There are others however who are illegally trying to enter.

Jesus then describes the sheep. They are His sheep and know His voice. In turn He knows each one by name. He insists they will never follow someone else but rather run away.

He then in vs 7 He makes the astounding claim. He IS the gate. Anyone who enters then through Him will be saved vs 9. Much of this section is devoted to others whom He describes as thieves and robbers whose aim it is to steal and harm His sheep.

Lets apply this rich passage. Firstly Jesus’s claims exclusivity. We all know John 14:6 where Jesus says He is the Way and the only one. This passage backs that up. No one can be saved if they don’t enter the pen through Jesus the gate. Vs9
Then we see the description of His sheep who are already in the pen. They know Him and they listen to His voice. In turn He has named each one. He knows each one personally by name. This gives me a huge sense of security and belonging.
Then thirdly He says they will recognize that the voices of the thieves and robbers are false. This is aimed of course to all false teachers but immediately in context to the Pharisees who were hounding Him. This raised my eyebrows a little since many apparently sincere brothers and sisters have been led away by smooth talking false teachers over the years. Could it be that they didn’t really know His voice? Or maybe they had neglected to follow Him closely enough to be able to continuously identify it? Could there be a link to the previous chapter on spiritual blindness? Why not think this through and pray that He will give you clarity?

Next week we will look at His claim to be the Shepherd. Blessings till then.

Today I am really conscious of the fact that our God not only created us but He relentlessly pursues us to win us back into His fold. It is not a vague attitude but a powerful force of His grace in which He uses many ways, but the focus is on the goal – a lasting and loving relationship with Him.

” I would not just create a whole lot of humans that are alike and cast them out onto the earth’s soil as it were, to germinate and grow up by their only volition which is the vitality built into them like the seeds of some crop – as wonderful as that may be. No, every person on Earth is exquisitely designed and built together in their mother’s womb. Born into the circumstances that I have chosen for them. Most suited for their capabilities and for the story I have for them. However, they cannot fully participate in that story till they are born again of the Spirit. So yes, I pursue each person to win their love – because, believe it or not – each person has their own will do decide to submit to my will or not. But I always do take the initiative.”

Last time we looked at the blind man’s testimony. We pick that up again today in the last part of this important chapter on Spiritual blindness from v 35. We see in v 35 that Jesus went to look for this man again. When He meets him He challenges his faith, forcing the man to go past his healing, to help him recognize who Jesus really is and place his trust in Him. This is a a good example of God’s pursuit of every Christian.

It also shows that an encounter with only a healing is not sufficient to bring the person to faith. It is necessary for the person to meet and identify the real Jesus so that he/she can decide to put their faith in Him. The woman at the well was saved when she recognized Jesus. The new birth is a miraculous event but requires our active response. God does not force it on us.

In contrast the Pharisees were right there, face to face, with every opportunity to put their faith in Him, yet they were unable to “see” Him. What was the difference? It came down to their attitude. They had decided to prove He was an imposter and were only open to ways to prove that. In turn, as an act of judgment against them Jesus blinded them and made it impossible for them to see who He really was.

The last vs shows that this was a wilful decision by them, which made them guilty.

To summarise then; Jesus eagerly pursues us and is delighted when we respond. However hearts that are hardened for whatever reason will result in our sight being dimmed. When we prejudge or there is an active sin this can cloud anyone’s sight and experience of Jesus and how well we hear Him. It is important to get to that part of the Lord’s Prayer, ”Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven “. Not just mumbling the words but actively surrendering to the Father’s will. This remains a daily challenge to me and I trust to each one of you too.