- Scripture: John 17:17
- Broadcast Date: 01/18/2016
JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS FLOCK
John 17:17
What’s your favorite verse in the Bible? Every so often someone asks me that and I am always at a loss to determine which one it might be. Well, there are many, so today I want to use one that has been running through my mind the past few days. It is recorded in Hebrews chapter seven, verse 25, and reads:
“Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Think of it. Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us.
He never slumbers nor sleeps, but every minute of our life until we come into His presence in heaven, Jesus prays for us! Consequently, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, tells his followers,
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32).
So just relish that statement for a few moments. Jesus is speaking; He is the Shepherd of the sheep. Here they are called, “a little flock.” Jesus is watching over us in love and is always able to help us unto the uttermost, that is, there is nothing beyond His love and care. We need to keep that in mind because we, or at least I, have a tendency to worry, which is just plain old fear. Now Jesus tells us, “Fear not.” Jesus is always saying that. Don’t worry, don’t fuss. It won’t do a bit of good, won’t change a thing, except to bring disgrace on the Heavenly Father. So all through our wilderness journey, which I have been on now for 85 years, Jesus is telling us, “Fear Not. Don’t fear tomorrow and what it may bring.” We have no idea and there is no way to find out, except to go to some spooky fortune teller, which is a sin before God and a waste of our time and money.
There is no way to know the future details of our life. So Jesus, who knows the future, tells us not to fear it. Put it in God’s care, take His hand and eagerly look forward to tomorrow. God will take care of us. The Good Shepherd leads the way, and all I have to do is follow. Praise the Lord, now I have that off of my mind. But then again, some people worry about old age. I never worry about old age because here I am, 94 years plus. I am past old age and into the next millennium. This old house I am living in is going to pieces, It needs a lot of repairs, which it is not going to get. So do I get panicky? No sir, not a bit. The Good Shepherd has told me not to fear and fuss because He has promised never to leave me or forsake me. Listen to the Good Shepherd tell those of old age,
“Even to your old age, I am He; and even to gray hairs, I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:4). A man would be a fool to worry when the Dear Savior is holding us close to His bosom by His strong arms. Fear not little flock.
Are you a part of that flock? You say no, well then come on in. Open your heart to the Savior, confess your sins to Him and ask Him for forgiveness. That’s His business, forgiving sinners and taking them into His flock. So Jesus assures us, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28).
So lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.