Baaaaaa Part 2
Matthew 10:16-28
God calls us sheep several times in the scripture. Sheep are dumb, weak, and dependent. They have no defenses and must be watched all the time or else they will wonder off and get into trouble. It is not very encouraging to be such an animal, but so it is. We are weak and can do nothing apart from God’s grace. We are dumb and need wisdom and constant guidance. We also have no defenses against the whiles of the devil. Like it or not, we are sheep.
In Matthew chapter 10, Christ tells us that He sends us out as sheep amidst the wolves. Wolves are a natural predator of sheep. They hunt in packs and are vicious. Sheep have no defense and will be torn apart by wolves and yet God sends us out as such.
I Peter 5:8 tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking those he may devour. He is an enemy to the Christian. The moment you repent and turn to Christ for salvation, you become an enemy of Satan and he seeks to devour and destroy you.
Matthew 7:15 warns us of false prophets which will try to lead us down the broad path the leads to destruction. It says that they are like ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing. Christ is clear about the path to salvation and godliness. It is through Christ himself and His word alone. He completed the work on the cross and there is nothing that we can do to add to or take away from it. We simply accept this gift or reject it.
His Word is absolute truth and life. If you hear something on the contrary, it is from a false prophet. We are to mark such people and have nothing to do with them. They also use a message that is close to the truth. Satan is a wise serpent.
However, we need not fear because Christ is our shepherd. In John 10, we see that Christ is the door and it is He that gives His life. He guides us and protects us through His divine power. Verse 11 says that Christ gives His life for the Sheep. Not gave but gives. This is a promise that His life actively gives us a home in heaven as well as strength for everyday living. He is committed to us and will never leave us or forsake us. He is the Great Shepherd.