The Good Shepherd - Week 2

TIME in the Word - Daily Devotional

A Study of Jesus the Good Shepherd
John 10:1-15

Introduction for This Week's Devotions

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. He is the only Way to the Father. He came for those who need Him. As such, what exactly has Jesus come to do for us? Some today say that He is bound to serve us and give us health, wealth, and happiness. Some say that He gives us forgiveness so that we can live however we want without consequences. Some even say that He came just to be an example of how to be a good person. But He did come to actively seek and actually save. So what are we saved from? And what are we saved to? How are we saved by Him? Why does He save us?

Once He saves us, are we guaranteed health, wealth, and happiness? Can we really expect an abundant life, full of “stuff” to the overflowing? Is He really there just to serve our every whim and do whatever we ask “in Jesus’ name”? It is as simple as “name it and claim it – blab it and grab it?”

Of course NOT. The abundant life has nothing whatsoever to do with things. It has everything to do with our new found “capacity” for living! As you study this week, you will find answers to the questions I have listed. You will also learn more about Jesus. Let us reason together from the Word and dispel many myths that have invaded the church. Let’s expose the lies. Let’s reveal the intentions of the thieves and robbers who come only for sin and self! And let us see Jesus as our Savior, and our Lord. For He is both, and indeed, cannot be one without the other. He is Lord. Are you obeying Him? He is the Savior. Has He saved you?

As we learn what Jesus has to say about Himself (I AM) and about His sheep, we will also look at those who he describes as thieves and robbers. He teaches us how to tell who the Good Shepherd is and who the bad shepherds are! I am including a devotional written from John 10:5-10 this week that will continue the idea that Jesus is “The Door.” I have given a format for family worship which includes a verse for the day, study of the Puritan Catechism, time in the Word, devotional thoughts, recommended Scriptures for further study and meditation, and recommended songs to sing to God’s glory. And I have given a link today for a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled, "How to Know if You are a Real Christian."

This week's Puritan Sermon is by Jonathan Edwards, titled How to Know if You are a Real Christian and is linked from one of our recommended sites - Fire and Ice: Puritan and Reformed Writings. The title page has the sermon broken up into several points. It can be read all at once or you can take a section or two a day and meditate on this sermon throughout the week.

(The hymns are taken from our church hymnal, "The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration". Note for Church Members: If you do not have this hymnal at home, you are free to take one home from church for use during the week. These hymns also appear in most hymnals available today.)