The Sheep Of God's Flock

THE SHEEP OF GOD’S FLOCK

Zechariah 10:2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

Many times throughout the Word of God, people, God’s Highest creation are referred to as sheep and as a flock of sheep.

In this verse – we see the results of what happens to people when there is no shepherd to lead them.

A) When there is no shepherd, man will listen to anyone, anything that sounds pleasing to his ear and which bows to THE VANITY OF MAN.

1)They speak out in praise of man’s ability to take care of himself

2)In glorification of their accomplishments in science, medicine and industry

3)They put man on a pedestal and parade him before all the world as a god who can attain unto greatness on his own.

B)Those great speakers and those proclaim themselves leaders in this world promise a whole lot that they have no power do deliver.

1)They promise that all things will get better and that one day man will created his own heaven on earth.

2)They promise that all men will learn to dwell together in unity under one government and under one economy.

C)There are promises that man can achieve anything he wants to achieve if he focuses his whole attention to getting what he wants.

1)While I do believe that people should better themselves and do all they can to improve their life, we must not focus only on getting those things that we desire of this world. The things that God wants must be our main thing.

PAT RILEY, AN NBA COACH SAID, “KEEP THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING”

JESUS SAID, “SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”

The problem is that people listen to these PLEASANT VOICES of the world. They sound good, they sound wonderful, they excite us, they make us think, dream, desire more, and wind up leading us just like a bunch of ignorant sheep into a desert place.

We are like a flock of sheep, who do not recognize or even have a shepherd. We are led about by voices in the wind, turning and following anything that speaks to us.

GOD’S PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE THIS WAY. WE HAVE A GREAT SHEPHERD TO LEAD US.

--DO WE KNOW HIS VOICE? ARE WE LISTENING FOR HIM?—

Let’s look at what the GOOD SHEPHERD DOES FOR US.

Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

The shepherd has the responsibility of supplying the needs and wants of the flock. The flock cannot provide for themselves.

JESUS KNOWS WHAT WE NEED. HE KNOWS THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART. HE HAS THE POWER AND ABILITY TO PROVIDE BOTH AND STILL KEEP US CLOSE TO HIM.

Psalms 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.

Jesus knows what is best for us. He knows where to find that grass that we think always looks greener on the other side of the fence.

He not only leads us to what we really need and want but he also gives us the ability to lie down in it or rest in His provision. We won’t have the restlessness of the world that is constantly running from one job to another, from one spouse to another, from one house to another looking for greener pasture. God knows where your pasture is greenest for you and He will keep you there in perfect peace. (Even in the midst of the trials of life, He will give you perfect peace.)

Sheep are a fickle animals. Whenever they approach water to get a drink, they are easily frightened if the water is moving too quickly. They are insecure within themselves. Fear seems to be always right at the edge within them.

People are the same –

During the Y2K scare – the greatest danger was not the computer problem itself, its the fear that it created.

FOOD & GAS SHORTAGES - the shortages haven’t been the problem. The problem is that our pleasure crazed and gluttonous generation are suddenly afraid that they might have to stay home more or not have their caviar when they want it so their fear drives them to get theirs before its all gone.

STOCK MARKET SWINGS – while these can have a devastating effect on individual people and businesses, most of the effects could be overcome in time if people just wouldn’t panic. Fear drives them to suicide and to empty the banks.

FEAR IS THE DEVIL’S GREATEST WEAPON ON MANKIND.

But Jesus leads us beside the still waters. He keeps us at peace with a calm assurance that He will provide for us no matter what the shortages are.