When we were in Israel we saw a shepherd who was tending his flock of sheep and goats in a pen for us to see them. The shepherd stood at the corner of the pen in traditional Hebrew clothing to illustrate what it would have looked like in Bible times.
The sheep had moved to the other side of the pen from where I was standing. As an animal lover, I put my hand through the fence calling the sheep to come to me. The sheep ignored me and would not come.
The shepherd seeing that I wanted the sheep to come, called to them in Hebrew and they immediately came quickly, then I could pet them.
It occurred to me that this is what Christ meant when He said:
John 10:26-28 "…26 But because you are not My sheep, you refuse to believe. 27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand."
When the shepherd decided it was time to take the sheep and goats home he walked off with them. They were jumping all around him in excitement as though they loved to be with him.
This was a small thing for most who observed but to me, it seemed deeply profound, a sort of real-life example of God's Words to us about following Him.
Those sheep and goats loved their shepherd so much they would not listen to a different sounding language or a voice they did not know. They would only listen to their shepherd, his voice, and his language.
When we hear people proclaiming things that fly in the face of God's principles we are not to listen to that, we are to ignore them, even speak against what they say so our brothers and sisters will not be deceived by them.
Romans 16:17-18
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
"For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."
Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
In these last days of deep deception, we must be more vigilant than ever before. Many people are claiming to be Christians who are bringing false doctrines and flattering words to draw the unsuspecting believer in by stealth.
1 Peter 5:8
"8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Never be intimidated by those who would chastise us for evaluating everything. God commanded us to "test all things", we need to be making sure everything we believe and follow is from the Bible and directed by the Holy Spirit.
James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Psalm 91:1-2
Security of One Who Trusts in the Lord.
91 One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
Hallelujah!
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