Title: The Good Shepherd/Topic: Why I Believe

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 1; Jeremiah 2; John 10

Scripture: John 10:14-18
14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

Observation/ Application: Christianity is the only religion in the world where the leader or founder laid down his life for his followers. It is the only religion that deals adequately with the reality of the sin nature in all of us. Jesus laid down his life voluntarily to pay the penalty for our sin. This is why I am a Christian. There is truth found in other religions that lines up with the truth in the Bible. But none of the others addresses the “sin” question well at all. These verses also teach the inclusivity of Christianity. It was not just for the Jews. Jesus came for “other sheep” as well as for the Jews. “Whosoever will” may come to him and b e granted eternal life. There is but one proviso; one must admit his/her need of forgiveness for wrongs done in this life. That assaults the pride of many. There are so many who cannot accept that they deserve judgment for the “little” imperfections and mistakes they have made in life because they feel themselves to be basically good people. But if there is to be no sorrow or pain in heaven, we must all be made perfect. Thus, the process of humbling ourselves, admitting our need, and receiving forgiveness from all our selfishness is necessary. I can believe and trust in a God who loves me enough to sacrifice Himself to pay for my sins and who promises that when I humbly accept that gift, I will be made perfect so I can enter heaven and fellowship with Him forever.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for your great love and kindness toward me and all men. May all mankind come to know of your love and grace toward them. Let me be a light and a mirror that reflects your love to others.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.