The clock is my dictator, I will not rest.
It makes me go to bed only when I’m exhausted.
It leads me into a deep depression.
It harasses my soul.
He drives me in frenzied circles, for the sake of activities.
Although I run frantically from one task to another, I will never achieve everything, Because my ideal is with me.
Deadlines and my need for approval drive me.
They demand performance from me, beyond the limits of my schedule.
They anoint my head from migraines,
My inbox is overflowing.
Surely weariness and time pressures will follow me
Every day of my life.
And I will live in the bonds of frustration
Forever
Contributed By: Merv Budd
At this time of year it seems that the clock dictates us at work and at home. We are busy with holidays and shopping. Let’s stop for a moment this morning and spend some time with the good shepherd.
Jesus has been revealing himself as one with God more boldly. He has been using the Hebrew name of God in reference to himself. He has declared himself to be the sustaining bread of life, the shining light of the world, and the safe door for the sheep.
While still standing in the green pastures, he makes his fourth statement. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
Jesus claims that He is the best and most excellent shepherd, a claim that only He can make. He is claiming to be a greater shepherd than Abraham, Moses or David. He is informing the crowd that even though these fine shepherds gave their lives to lead the sheep, they never actually died for their sheep. The best and most excellent shepherd will soon physically die for his sheep.
When David wrote Psalm 23, he prophetically illustrated the beauty of the good shepherd.
“The Lord is My Shepherd; I have everything I need.” As much as I love you guys, I can’t be your good shepherd. Only Jesus can fulfill that role. While it is true that I have been commissioned to shepherd them, I too am just a sheep. Jesus is our shepherd. And because of that, our needs are met. We are fed with the word of him. He tends to our wounds.
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.” The green meadows are an image of tranquility. In times of stress he encourages us to rest in his presence. He wants us to be still and listen to his voice.
He also guides us. He does not lead or push us. We should not be performance-driven to gain the favor of our good shepherd. We are simply called to follow him.
When we follow it, we find peaceful currents. Sheep will drown in rushing water. Their wool is like a sponge and will weigh them down. The good shepherd finds still waters for the sheep to drink without fear.
“He renews my strength. He guides me in the paths of justice,
honoring his name.” The good shepherd loves his sheep and renews them every day. He is not critical, but affirmative. He does not discourage but rather encourages. He does not condemn, but instructs. He does not curse them but blesses them. He allows the wolves to devour them, but rather protects them. He does not allow them to scatter, but searches for them.
He guides us through paths of justice so that we honor his name. If what we are doing does not honor his name, it is because we are no longer on the right path and we need to cry out to the good shepherd who will rescue us.
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not fear, because you are near me. Your rod and your staff
Protect me and comfort me.”
We have the comfort of knowing that in the darkest valleys of our lives, our good shepherd is still by our side, guiding us out. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. We have the promise of his rod, not to defeat us but to protect us from our enemies. We have the promise of his cane with a hook on the end to help get us out of the hole when we fall into one.
“You prepare a banquet for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” Today the good shepherd has prepared a feast for you. I asked the Holy Spirit to remove the stones and thorny bushes that represent the enemy so that you could celebrate today.
But you must be willing to eat.
Twice a day our little Yorkie shows up with a party. My wife prepares gourmet meals consisting of sweet potatoes, rice, peas, ground turkey, and beef tenderloins. Added to this meal is fresh grilled chicken from the local delicatessen. Very often, she refuses to eat this fabulous food. We do the same.
Shepherds anointed the heads of sheep with oil and spices to protect them from harmful insects. He proved his value to the pastor. The good shepherd anoints our heads with oil to give us a sense of worth. How much are we worth? We are worth enough for the good shepherd to sacrifice his life for us. That is why our cup of blessings overflows.
“Surely your kindness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.&# 8221; We have the promise of the kindness and unfailing love of the good shepherd while we are on the pasture. But we also have the promise to leave the pasture and find permanent residence in the house of the good shepherd.
Jesus now shows a comparison between himself and those who do not love the sheep.
John 10:12-13 “The hired man will run when he sees the wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they do not belong to him and he is not their shepherd. And then the wolf attacks them and scatters the herd. The laborer leaves because he only works for the money and doesn’t care about the sheep.
The story is told of a preacher who was talking to children about sheep. He said that the sheep were not very intelligent and needed a lot of guidance and that a shepherd’s job was to stay close to the sheep, protect them from wild animals and prevent them from wandering off and doing foolish things that would cause them to be hurt or killed.
He pointed to the children in the room, said that they were the sheep and that they needed a lot of guidance. The minister then extended his hands to his sides, palms up in a dramatic gesture, and with raised eyebrows he said to the children, “If you are the sheep, who is the shepherd?” It was quite obvious that he was indicating himself.
A few seconds’ silence followed. Then a young visitor said, “Jesus, Jesus is the shepherd.”
The young minister, obviously taken by surprise, said to the boy, “Well, then, who am I?”
The little boy frowned thoughtfully, then said with a shrug, “I guess you must be a sheepdog.”
I have discovered that there is a danger in getting paid to preach. Last year, the church was kind enough to bless me with a much-needed pastor assignment to cover the rent on my house. For the first three years, such a stipend was not necessary because I was employed. Although this has been greatly appreciated, I noticed for the first time that I allowed myself to worry too much about finances. When an item in a budget needs to be cut, the pastor’s salary is the first to go.
This sermon has made me question my role with you. Am I a laborer who runs when the wolf approaches? Has this become a way for me to receive financial help or am I taking care of you out of love?
I know of two pastors who abandoned their flock because they could no longer be compensated for their time. They were simply hired hands. When trouble came, they ran. I want to assure you that I am not a day laborer. As long as this body can afford to help me financially, I will accept it. But if the time comes when he can’t do it, then I will find a job and continue to take care of you as your shepherd.
John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
Again Jesus emphasizes the fact that He is the best and most excellent shepherd, a claim that only He can make. He says “I know my sheep and I know my father. My sheep know me and my Father knows me.” The word “know” implies an intimacy of recognition and understanding. Jesus is comparing his intimate relationship with the heavenly Father to be equal to his relationship with his sheep.