Still looking at the same few verses. I figure if I read them and write on them enough I may actually begin to understand a little of the blessing that they hold. It does amaze me that the Spirit touches scripture in such a way that you can read the same verses over and be revealed something totally different each time. There is so much there and we are so naive to its awesome power and all encompassing message. May it please God to speak and allow us to hear. May each time we come before Him humbled, He reveals a Little more, and that He will be glorified.
Extra credit: We are touching many times on sheep and goats. Steeling a gem from another site. Here is a devotion on Swine and sheep from the old standard Charles Spurgeon. I found it on Grace Gems a wonderful site devoted to His glory.
Jhn 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Jhn 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
Jhn 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Jhn 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Jhn 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Jhn 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
Jhn 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Jhn 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Are all of the sheep eager to get out of the sheepfold? Why do they leave at all?
God says in John 10:7 “…verily, verily I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.” Man can only be saved by God. Salvation may only be obtained through God. God is the door of the sheepfold, the only way man can find the green pastures of peace and freedom is through the door of Christ. Rev 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him…” Who can hear His voice, who opens the door? Is this dependant on our choice or action, or His electing grace. God says in John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine.” God not only is the door but the shepherd. His son knows His sheep and He calls them by name and they know Him. The shepherd does not stand at the door of the sheepfold and call to all sheep and whom ever comes to him is his. God knows His sheep by name and calls them alone out of the flesh to follow Him. 2Tim 2:19 “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His…”
Psalm 23:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
