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- Apr 25, 2006
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17 October 2007
John 10 v 11-16
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. The worker who is paid to keep the sheep is different from the shepherd who owns them. When the worker sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. The man runs away because he is only a paid worker and does not really care about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me, as I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
I don't know if you've ever seen the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. It is about the English legend of an heroic outlaw in about the 13th century. In one scene, Robin is trying to rally the people together in the forest. There is a natural worry that simple villagers will be no match for the Sheriff's trained men - but Robin points out that "One man defending his home is more powerful than ten hired soldiers."
I just love that line - it illustrates today's passage perfectly. A person has so much invested in their home - not just financially but in terms of all they love; their memories, their emotions. They're going to defend it with everything they've got if necessary. To someone with no real bond with that home - it's just a building. Let's face it, who wants to risk his life for something they have no connection with - whether it's a home, a flock of sheep or even another person?
I'd like to think I'd do anything I could to save anyone else - but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't put my own life at risk. However, I know that if my children were in danger I'd rather die than let anyone harm them - because I love them with all my heart. I'd give my life to save theirs.
That's the love Jesus has for you. You're his child and he would do anything to save you. Even die.
It staggers me that you love me more than any parent loves their child, Jesus. That you would defend me with every fibre of your being, fight any foe for me. Die for me. Let me live in the reality of that love today, Jesus. Thank you - from the depths of my heart. Amen.
Written by Tracy Lambert
John 10 v 11-16
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. The worker who is paid to keep the sheep is different from the shepherd who owns them. When the worker sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone. Then the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. The man runs away because he is only a paid worker and does not really care about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me, as I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
I don't know if you've ever seen the film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. It is about the English legend of an heroic outlaw in about the 13th century. In one scene, Robin is trying to rally the people together in the forest. There is a natural worry that simple villagers will be no match for the Sheriff's trained men - but Robin points out that "One man defending his home is more powerful than ten hired soldiers."
I just love that line - it illustrates today's passage perfectly. A person has so much invested in their home - not just financially but in terms of all they love; their memories, their emotions. They're going to defend it with everything they've got if necessary. To someone with no real bond with that home - it's just a building. Let's face it, who wants to risk his life for something they have no connection with - whether it's a home, a flock of sheep or even another person?
I'd like to think I'd do anything I could to save anyone else - but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't put my own life at risk. However, I know that if my children were in danger I'd rather die than let anyone harm them - because I love them with all my heart. I'd give my life to save theirs.
That's the love Jesus has for you. You're his child and he would do anything to save you. Even die.
It staggers me that you love me more than any parent loves their child, Jesus. That you would defend me with every fibre of your being, fight any foe for me. Die for me. Let me live in the reality of that love today, Jesus. Thank you - from the depths of my heart. Amen.
Written by Tracy Lambert
