The Christmas season is a wonderful time to remember friends and to be remembered. Cards and gifts are just a way of saying, “You are important to me.”
Our Holiday sermon series this season is “Looking for Christmas.” Very soon people will be sending cards and exchanging gifts. These fun activities are based upon a deep example set by God Himself. God remembered us and gave us the greatest gift of all — His son Jesus Christ. When we receive the gift of the Son, we receive the gift of salvation. We enter into a special relationship with Christ as Savior and Lord.
How does Jesus guide us as our Lord? There are several examples used in the Bible. My favorite example of the lordship of Christ is describing him as the Good Shepherd. Hear the words of Jesus in John 10:14-15:
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Jesus knows my name! I am remembered by him. He knows me as well as he knows the Father.
To be known by Christ is one of the great blessings of the Christian life. Now here is the hard question: Are you an acquaintance or are you really close with Christ?
People talk about the deeper Christian life. It seems like a mystery, something that only very spiritual people can attain. In reality, the deeper Christian life comes from spending quality time with Jesus through studying the Bible, talking with him in prayer, and living by his principles. We have heard that we should do these things all of our lives. They seem like heavy requirements. Actually, they are not. Once you begin these activities as ways of being with Jesus rather than requirements to fulfill, your attitude will change. You will look forward to the time of being with your Lord. He will indeed become your Good Shepherd.
Filed under: Christian, Christian life, Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, Jesus, Spiritual Warfare | Tagged: gift, Good Shepherd, he knows my name, Lord
