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- Apr 25, 2006
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All That You Are (And Aren't)
'...The Good Shepherd ... lays down his life for the sheep' John 10:11
Is there a small tuft of wool protruding from your tail bone? Do people count you and your other woollen friends when they can't get to sleep? Ever considered 'cardigan' as a career prospect?
Okay, so obviously Jesus never actually meant that we are sheep; just that our behaviour can be similar to sheep. But how?
Well, firstly, we all have a tendency to ramble off on our own: 'We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way' (Isaiah 53:6 TM).
Secondly, sheep aren't the smartest of animals. They can't see that far around or ahead. You may think you've got away with that cheeky dig or whispered put-down, but for how long? God sees everything! 'If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there...He even sees me in the dark!'(Psalm 139:8 TM).
You can fool some of the people, some of the time, but you can't ever fool God. God wants us to be honest with Him, with others and with ourselves. That means the good, the bad and the ugly.
In James 5:16, we're told to own up when we get it wrong. Why should I? you might retort. '...So that you can live together whole and healed...' (TM). When you give God all that you are (and aren't), He'll bless you and use you, above and beyond your sometimes-sheep-like limitations!
written by Bob Gass
'...The Good Shepherd ... lays down his life for the sheep' John 10:11
Is there a small tuft of wool protruding from your tail bone? Do people count you and your other woollen friends when they can't get to sleep? Ever considered 'cardigan' as a career prospect?
Okay, so obviously Jesus never actually meant that we are sheep; just that our behaviour can be similar to sheep. But how?
Well, firstly, we all have a tendency to ramble off on our own: 'We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way' (Isaiah 53:6 TM).
Secondly, sheep aren't the smartest of animals. They can't see that far around or ahead. You may think you've got away with that cheeky dig or whispered put-down, but for how long? God sees everything! 'If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there...He even sees me in the dark!'(Psalm 139:8 TM).
You can fool some of the people, some of the time, but you can't ever fool God. God wants us to be honest with Him, with others and with ourselves. That means the good, the bad and the ugly.
In James 5:16, we're told to own up when we get it wrong. Why should I? you might retort. '...So that you can live together whole and healed...' (TM). When you give God all that you are (and aren't), He'll bless you and use you, above and beyond your sometimes-sheep-like limitations!
written by Bob Gass
