Nicknames B - 8
“…..and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full…
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep…
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. 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.”
John 10:3-4,10-11,14-16 (NIV)
As a little background with some humor, I dislike cats; but my wife adores them. So over a (very) long time, we had cats. Our agreement was that she would get them and care for them, and I had naming rights! In a euphoric state she agreed, obviously not knowing me very well.
Our first cat was named Cat Number #1, and then our last name. Kinda cute, right? We went all the way to Cat Number #4. I always liked the days our postman would deliver a local vet’s postcard addressed to, for instance, Cat Number #3 and our last name. Time for a check-up and or shots.
OK, back to some encouragement. Hold on to these words in Scripture next time you go through a rough patch! These are the words of a Brother, Savior and God pouring his heart out to his dearly loved creation!
First, know that Jesus calls each of us by name. By a personal, individual name, not a number. And not only your name, but a nickname as well! Just like a shepherd begins to know the characteristics, and personality, of each sheep he watches, so it is with Jesus. He knows us intimately, meaning He knows about our inner thoughts more than we do!
Next, as we get to know his voice more clearly each day, we will, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, better recognize his leading and direction. Uncertainty will be replaced by certainty.
Now go back to the sentence which reads, “…life, and have it to the full”. Far too many of us, including Christians, are dragging through life, just making it, rather than jumping excitedly because we know Him. By “dragging” I don’t necessarily mean only financially or health-wise, I also mean our regrets about our past, our clouded view of what today might bring, and our pensive outlook on the future. But as we invite Jesus into our hearts, He will bring excitement, action, fulfillment, joy, and completeness. No more living in shadows! Vibrant colors replace the gray!
Last, take a look at the sentence above which says: “I must bring them also”. There’s only a handful of Scriptures in which Jesus describes something he absolutely, positively must do. What this means to us is simple - Jesus won’t and can’t rest until we really know and follow him! In fact, he is on duty right now, looking forward to bringing YOU into the very center of his flock! And with your own nickname to boot!
1) Think about the Good Shepherd calling His own sheep. What does it mean when we read: “…by name”?
2) Who is leading the sheep, and who is following?
3) Why do the sheep follow the shepherd?
4) Are you living life now, or living life to the full?
5) Describe the idea of “knowing” in the last part of this passage. Did Jesus describe “knowing” as being like His relationship with His and our Father?
6) Was that an exaggeration?
7) What would that mean on an everyday basis in our lives?
8) There was another story about a lost sheep, only one out of a total of one hundred. The shepherd went to find and save this lost sheep. Can He, and would He, do that for you as well?