February 11th, Wednesday: John chaps. 9-10

John 9

We'll read about irritation.

By putting clay on the man's eyes, Jesus encouraged him to obey and wash on the Sabbath.

Sometimes the Lord irritates us before He illuminates us.

That's a great principle to remember.

His power is so great that He can use common things like dirt, water and clay to produce His miracles.

The man could hear but not see, and the Word produced faith.

We'll read about the interrogation that took place afterwards.

The man was questioned by his neighbours and by the Pharisees.

And then we'll read about identification.

The Pharisees were of course false shepherds who threw the man out.

But Jesus the Good Shepherd took him in.

The man knew that He was a man called Jesus, 'a prophet' he said, and a 'man of God.'

But he needed to learn He is the Son of God.

He believed and was saved.

Beware of a spiritual experience that comes short of true salvation .

John 10

We'll see that God's people are His flock.

And they must beware of strangers, and thieves and hirelings.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and speaks to them.

They know His voice too.

See, He's not like the strangers – He protects the sheep.

So, He's not like the thieves either – He gives His live for the sheep.

He is not like the hirelings who run away from any danger that comes over the hill.

When you trust the Good Shepherd, He leads you out of the wrong fold and into the right flock.

He goes before you and leads you by His Word.

And He leads you in and out to find spiritual nourishment.

There are many churches, but only one flock and one Shepherd.

Is the Lord using you to bring the other sheep to Him?

Why does the Lord compare His people to sheep?

Sheep are prone to wander, and need a shepherd to guide them.

Sheep are clean animals and were used for sacrifices.

They kind of flock together.

And are useful because they produce milk, lambs and wool.

The Good Shepherd knows His sheep intimately and calls them by name.

He protects them and provides for them.

How wonderful to be one of His sheep.