The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in John 10:16,
"I [Jesus] 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."
The Quest Study Bible says, "This is one of Jesus' earliest and clearest references to Gentiles as members of his kingdom.
Jesus was talking with Pharisees that rejected his claim of being the Messiah. He used the analogy of a shepherd with his sheep. Jesus Christ is the true shepherd of all that embrace God in faith. As he makes his points, he says that he is the shepherd of the believing Jews. However, there are other sheep from another pen, and that would be Gentiles who would embrace him in faith.
What if God decided there would be only one demographic he would accept into his kingdom? Where would that leave many of us? Where would that leave you and me?
But he hasn't! Jesus Christ came to sacrifice himself for all mankind, so that all mankind has an opportunity to respond to him! "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2.
Who among mankind does he want? All of us! "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
"I [Jesus] 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."
The Quest Study Bible says, "This is one of Jesus' earliest and clearest references to Gentiles as members of his kingdom.
Jesus was talking with Pharisees that rejected his claim of being the Messiah. He used the analogy of a shepherd with his sheep. Jesus Christ is the true shepherd of all that embrace God in faith. As he makes his points, he says that he is the shepherd of the believing Jews. However, there are other sheep from another pen, and that would be Gentiles who would embrace him in faith.
What if God decided there would be only one demographic he would accept into his kingdom? Where would that leave many of us? Where would that leave you and me?
But he hasn't! Jesus Christ came to sacrifice himself for all mankind, so that all mankind has an opportunity to respond to him! "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2.
Who among mankind does he want? All of us! "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
He wants all mankind! But he has made crystal clear that he will only be taking those who embrace him in faith to be his.
What an opportunity!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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