DAILY MEDITATION: 20.11.2020

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'Good Shepherd! '

Deacon Crimson

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First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16; 20-24

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 36-41

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Dear Brethren

Greetings to you in the most caring and loving name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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Ephesians 1: 18

¹⁸ The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints

God created Adam and Eve not as blind people but as people who were blind to sin. They were open to righteousness until the God of this age (Satan) blinded their eyes.

A clear bright eye sight is a gift from God to give our walk of life an unhindered direction under the light. But Satan's main purpose is to blind people and enforce darkness.

2 Corinthians 4:4

⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving. Satan has kept people away from seeing the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Christ is the God's light shining over the darkness of sin in this world. The darkness of sin is perpetuated over sinners by Satan. Our physical eyes maybe open but our spiritual eyes become stone blind.

Ezekiel chapter 34 speaks about the bad shepherd and good Shepherd. A bad shepherd is a hireling he is not committed except to what benefits him. But a good shepherd is committed and is ready to offer his own life for the Sheep.

Early in his life, as a shepherd boy, King David had to battle with a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. He was a committed and caring - a good shepherd.

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Sheep have a low and blurred vision unable to see beyond five meters. They always follow the lead sheep in the front.

It was reported in a newspaper that forty-six sheep were crushed to death by an incoming train. It so happened that most of the sheep followed the lead sheep which tried to cross the train tracks, The 'blurred and low visioned' lead sheep led all the blurred and low visioned sheep to their deaths.

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We may encounter many sinful people masquerading as self-satisfied representatives of life. They have large blind followers - Human Sheep. We need to be watchful and unfollow such sinful masqueraders of this world.

1 Timothy 6: 9-11

⁹ But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

The act of 'unfollowing' redeems us from the risk of death. Satan has blinded the eyes of the mini gods in this world and their followers.

Jesus was very clear in his instructions.

John 8:12

¹² Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Jesus asks all to follow him out from their walk in darkness. Jesus claimed that he is the light of the world having the light of life.

In our spritual walk, we need the light of life. All around is spiritual darkness but Jesus brightens our way. The darkness invites creepy and dangerous creatures; but, the light of Jesus enlightens the path before us.

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John 10:10

¹⁰ The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

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Jesus Christ came into the world to offer life with all its fullness. Satan wants to blind, to destroy and to kill. We are vulnerable and easy to be consumed. We have to walk in light to be safe and saved. If one is in sinful state, he will hate the light and love the darkness- Just as the poisonous creatures whose natural life is living in darkness.

There was a blind man (Luke18: 35-41). He heard a crowd comming. On inquiring someone told him Jesus Christ was passing by. He had heard the miracles of Jesus. He cried for Jesus. Jesus heard him and asked...

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Luke 18: 41

⁴¹ Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

⁴² And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

Immediately the blind man regained his sight and followed Jesus glorifying God.

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Reflection

Dear Brethren, our Lord is asking the same question. What do you want me to do for you?

Are you living in the darkness? or in the a miry pit of sins? or following blindly after blind masqueraders of this world? Jesus loves you. Like the sheep, our vision maybe blurred and dull. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. He came into this world to save. He wants to save you from the darkness to the light. He will carefully lead and guide us. Lets follow HIM.

What is your decision today? Are you ready and willing to leave the darkness and make a transition into the heavenly light?

Prayer

Loving Lord Heavenly Father. we thank you and praise you for your mercy and grace on us. We have been spiritually blind. In many ways the god of this age has blinded us from seeing the true light. Open our eyes and let your light shine. We also pray for people who live in darkness and those who do not know the love of the God. Usher in rest and peace for the sufferers that they may glorify you. In Jesus precious name, we pray. Amen.

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May the words of our mouth and meditations of our heart be acceptable in your sight . O Lord!

Amen!

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