“I 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.” John 10.16
Jesus speaks
as the good shepherd, the one who looks after His sheep to the point of giving His
very life for them. Jesus spoke firstly to the Jews. He came to rescue God’s chosen
people and lift them out of their wayward lives to restore them into right relationship
with the Father.
He then goes
on to mention other sheep. These are the Gentiles, indeed any one who
receives Jesus as Saviour and gives himself or herself into His lordship.
Jesus talks of
one
flock. He sees a time when Jew and Gentile will come together in unity
under the one shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a promise to
cherish; it is a time to anticipate and to give ourselves to. O, Hallelujah!
Jesus talks of
one flock and means, I feel quite sure, that all people will come together under Him. This is a mighty, massive
promise. I look around that portion of the flock that I am familiar with – this
is the Body of Christ as represented through the Western Church (for this is my
experience!). What I see, truly, is a proliferation of thoughts, ideas, and practices.
Jesus intended to build one church. Human leadership has splintered and
fragmented the church into many factions each one, no doubt, believing that
they are the church of Jesus Christ.
There is a way
to go before even the Christians get themselves into the fullness of complete
unity. And yet, Jesus can promise unity between Christians and Jews, such that
they come together as one flock with one shepherd. Only Jesus
can do this.
Come, Lord
Jesus!
Most Holy God,
I receive these words today as a mighty revelation and
the greatest promise: there shall
be one flock and one shepherd.
I know, most assuredly I know, that nothing
is impossible with You. I rejoice in You, Lord. I invite You to use me, if You
will, in the move towards one flock and one shepherd.
Amen.
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