Sheep Who Belong

John 10:22-30, Revelation 7:9-17, with Psalm 23

The question in both of these passages is “Who are God’s sheep?” In John 10 Jesus tells the Jews that they don’t believe since they do not belong to his sheep. He then lists the qualities of the sheep who do belong. They hear his voice and follow him. In return he will give them eternal life – they will never perish. He assures his sheep that no one can snatch them from out of the Father’s hand. He then declares that he and the Father are one.

Revelation 7 tells about a great multitude standing before Christ, the Lamb clothed in white who state that salvation (being one’s sheep) belongs to God and to the Lamb (Christ). After the angels praise God, the elder asks who are these people dressed in white and where do they come from? The answer is those who have been saved by washing their robes white in the blood of the lamb. This Lamb is not only the one who brought salvation but is their shepherd who will guide his sheep, those who belong, to springs of the water of life. It tells how they have come out of great ordeal but God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

The Psalm reading for this week is the familiar Psalms 23 and it tells the benefits of being a sheep who belongs to the Good Shepherd – Christ. I shall not want which the CEB translate it as “I lack nothing.” My soul is restored – salvation has come and he leads me in right paths. When bad times come, when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil. The shepherd comforts and protects me. Goodness and mercy- God’s faithful love- shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the Lord’s house my whole life long.

This Psalm is read at many a funeral yet I find it for the living- what life as a Christian is- the benefits of being a sheep who belongs. It is not just the eternal life promised in John 10, but having the presence of Christ the good Shepherd protecting us, guiding us, restoring us when we stray, and comforting us during the rough times of our lives – being with us during any ordeals we may encounter. Revelation 7 promises to wipe away any tear we may have, and to lead us to springs of the water of life – eternal life with Jesus the Lamb who is also our shepherd. Amen.

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