Scripture: John 10:22-30
22 It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; 23 it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me; 26 but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; 28 and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one."
Meditation: How secure is your faith and trust in God?
Scripture describes God’s word as a “lamp for our feet and a light
for
our steps” (Psalm 119:105). The Jewish Feast
of the Dedication is also called the Festival of Lights or Hanakkuh.
This feast was held in late December, near the time when Christians
celebrate the feast of
Christmas.
This is the time of year when the day is shortest and the night
longest.
Jesus used this occasion to declare that he is the true light of
the
world (John 8:12). In his light we can see who God truly is and
we can find the true path to heaven.
Jesus speaks of the
tremendous
trust he has in God his Father and the tremendous trust we ought to
have
in him because he is our good shepherd (John 10:11). Sheep without a
shepherd are defenseless against prey, such as wolves, and often get
lost and bewildered without a guide. That is why shepherds literally
live with their sheep out in the open field and mountain sides. The
shepherd guards his sheep from the dangers of storms, floods, and
beasts of prey. The shepherd leads his sheep to the best places
for feeding and the best streams for drinking. He finds the best place
for their rest and safety at night. The sheep recognize the voice of
their shepherd and heed his call when he leads them to safe pasture and
rest. We are like sheep – we become easy prey to forces which can
destroy us – sin, Satan, and a world opposed to God and his people.
Jesus not only frees us from Satan's snares and the grip of sin, he
leads us to the best of places where we can feed on the "word of life"
and drink from the "living waters" of his Holy Spirit. The sheep who
heed the voice of Jesus, the good shepherd, have no fear. He will lead
them to the
best of places – everlasting peace, joy, and fellowship with God
and his people.
In this present life we will
encounter trials and difficulties. We can face them alone or we can
follow Jesus, the true shepherd, who will bring us safely through every
difficulty to the place of peace and security with God. Do you listen
to
the voice of the Good Shepherd and heed his commands?
Psalm 87:1-7
1 On the holy mount stands the city he founded;
2 the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places
of Jacob.
3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. [Selah]
4 Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold,
Philistia
and Tyre, with Ethiopia -- "This one was born there," they say.
5 And of Zion it shall be said, "This one and that one were born in
her"; for the Most High himself will establish her.
6 The LORD records as he registers the peoples, "This one was born
there." [Selah]
7 Singers and dancers alike say, "All my springs are in you."