My sheep hear my voice
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
Jesus calls us his sheep. Out of the many things he called us in scripture, the sheep always stuck out to me. Probably because it was an identity I didn’t have to learn, it was tangible. I could imagine sheep, and it was called upon me. I am his sheep, you are his sheep, and he is the Good Shepard. He loves us, comforts and cares for us through guidance and protection, which he never fails at doing. The Lord is a personal and intimate God who feeds and speaks life into us daily. He wants to know us, and his true sheep can distinguish His voice from the noisy world. He is the ultimate sustainer, and just like lost sheep, we need a shepherd in a broken world. A sheep without a shepherd is led into danger and death, like drowning and becoming prey for predators. Anointing oil is for protection, healing, and blessings. The sheep’s head is anointed by the shepherd with oil, which keeps insects away and protects their wounds. We all go astray sometimes; it’s in our nature, but in Jesus, he calls us out of that while he continuously protects and redeems us. In Jesus, we will be saved and given eternal life. Through our journey, we should remain fearless because we always have the Good Shepherd as our safe place, and nothing will separate us from the love He has for us. Jesus will leave the 99 for you and lay down his life for you. (John 10:11) (John 10:15) (Isaiah 53:6) (Matthew 18:12)
Dig deep, but no pressure
Besides the ones you know, are there any names that God calls you? ( This can include the ones below or one that’s personal and not in Scripture)
Reflect
- What does this say about God’s character?
- What does this say about your identity and the identity of Christ?
God is the giver of all good things. If you receive negative thought patterns while thinking, just know God sees you beyond how you see yourself; you are made with no mistakes! Shame, insecurity, inadequacy, self-doubt, and overly critical thoughts are NOT from God. Don’t give in to lies that harm you and your faith. Stand firm in what God calls you…
You are called by Jesus. In scripture, here are some of the things Jesus calls his
people
-Disciples (John 13:35)
-Children of God (John 1:12) (1 John 3:1)
-His sheep (John 10:27-29)
-Heirs (Romans 8:17)
-God’s handiwork (Eph 2:10)
-Friends (John 15:15)
-Branches of the vine (John 15:5)
-Christ’s Ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20)
How does this remind us of our identity in Christ?
We are…
-Forgiven (1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:14-15)
-Loved ( Romans 8:38-39)
-Chosen ( John 15:16)
-Healed (Isaiah 53:5)
-Free (Gal 5:1) ( Romans 8:1)
-Redeemed (Eph 1:7) ( Romans 3:23-24)
-Saved (Eph 2:4-5)
-New creations (2 Cor 5:17)
– Strong ( 2 Cor 12:9)
– Fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14)
Thank you for reading through this study. You are a blessing! Later during the week, or if you have time now, put a reminder to meditate on your identity in Christ, and play your favorite praise and worship song.
Isaiah 44:5
“I am the Lord’s, and another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write
on his hand, the Lord’s, and name himself by the name of Israel”.
You are owned, adopted, and fully known by the Lord!
-Be Well,
The Sick Healer