Prayer Journal

Monday, September 29, 2003

Many think that Christianity was created to be a non-Jewish religion, but in actuality, Jesus told the disciples to first take the Gospel message to the lost sheep of Israel, avoiding any city populated largely by Gentiles. (Vs. 6-15)

Even though the message was sent first to the Jews, Jesus made it clear that the disciples should not waste time with those who refused to hear the truth. Instead, they should shake the dust on that town off their feet and go where someone would listen and receive their message.

Scripture offers many warnings about living in the world and compromising with it; something that can prove to be most hazardous to one's health. But Jesus had a greater warning about compromising with those who think they are justified by religious position and reputation. When the disciples shook off the dust of a disparaging town from their feet, God's judgment on that town wasn't far behind.

Sheep are funny creatures. They need someone to feed, protect and lead them; someone to kill attacking predators, while preparing a safe, bountiful environment within which they can graze safely. Such a person is called a shepherd and Jesus provides the perfect example of a Great Shepherd according to Psalm 23 who does all that and more for the sake of his sheep.

Our Lord's warning about wolves is not about external predators, but internal ones whose camouflage makes them look friendly, but who turn on the sheep in a heart beat. These false shepherds, who Ezekiel and other prophets called "wicked," are the reason some sheep never follow the Great Shepherd. Such people are wolves in sheep's clothing and should be avoided like the plague. (Jer 23:1;Ez 34:10; Zec 11:17)

Sadly today, it's not uncommon to find out about a bad pastor by hearing about his adultery or child molestation in the morning newspaper. Such confession not only embarrasses the church but destroys families and the testimony of Christians who have not been tainted by the world. But, we shouldn't give up on all pastors because there's a bad banana in the bunch.

On the other hand, one man's failure establishes precedent and makes us all wonder about our own shepherd: is his testimony true or is he actually a wolf in sheep clothing? It doesn't help when other shepherds defend the character of a bad shepherd. Too often they blame the sheep of his flock for being wicked when in fact their only sin was being dependent and stupid, something Isaiah said was natural for sheep. (Isa. 53:6)

There's very little hope for someone who fears their shepherd is waiting to devour them. Such fear is the product of years of silence. You see, we've been taught to avoid calling sin what it is regardless of who commits it. We fail to establish godly authority within the church and we refuse to apply godly discipline calling for repentance from those who callously continue to sin. That's because too many of us church members have embraced a sinful lifestyle and find it difficult to point out someone else's problem, even if God expects us to do so.

If today's devotion has offended you, you're probably professing to be something you're not. If, on the other hand it alarms you, then you're probably just a scared sheep like me who is weary of encountering wolves behind the pulpit who dress up like sheep, pack a big Bible, are endorsed by other shepherds and boast of broad associational reputation.

He who has an ear, let him hear.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2003 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers

* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans

* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself