Greetings, dear friends and fellow believers! Today, let’s embark on a heartening exploration of a profound truth: “The Church is a Sheepfold and not a Goatfold.” This journey through the Scriptures will illuminate the beauty of our faith community and the timeless guidance found in the Word of God.
Our Good Shepherd and His Sacrificial Love
In John 10:11 (KJV), Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Pause for a moment and let that sink in—the Shepherd who willingly sacrificed Himself for us, His beloved sheep. Our Church, therefore, becomes a vibrant reflection of the sacrificial love that binds us together.
Sheep and Goats: A Divine Distinction
Matthew 25:32-33 (KJV) paints a vivid picture of a shepherd sorting his flock: “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” As we navigate our spiritual journey, let’s reflect on our own position—are we joyfully following the Shepherd or straying like goats?
Humbled in the Presence of Our Shepherd
Psalm 100:3 (KJV) invites us to a place of humility: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Recognising God’s role as our Creator, we find ourselves united in the divine pasture, a community humbly acknowledging our dependence on the Lord.
Fruits of the Spirit: Nurturing the Joyful Sheepfold
Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) outlines the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Imagine our Church as a garden blossoming with these fruits, creating an atmosphere of love and unity that spreads beyond our walls.
The LORD, Our Shepherd: A Promise of Joyful Fulfillment
In conclusion, let Psalm 23:1 (KJV) echo in our hearts: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This assurance brings with it a profound sense of contentment and joy. With the Lord as our Shepherd, we lack nothing, and our Church becomes a place of abundant blessings and shared joy.
As we continue this journey together, let’s strive to make our Church a radiant Sheepfold—a place where love, unity, and joy overflow. Our Shepherd is leading us, and the path is filled with the promise of fulfilment. Amen.
The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella
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