April 21, 2024
The Good Shepherd
- Matt Nickoson
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Genesis 1:1 NIV
In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.
Elohim (God or “gods”) = Spiritual Beings
Which “god” created the Heavens and the Earth?
Psalms 82:1-8 NIV
God (Elohim) presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods” (elohim): “How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
“The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
“I said, ‘You are “gods” (elohim); you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.”
Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance.”
The Bible consistently reveals to us why our God, the only true God, is better than any other option.
Psalms 86:8-10 NIV
Among the gods (elohim) there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.
To help us better know Him, God reveals His name to us.
Exodus3:14 NIV
God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
“YHWH” or “Yahweh” (He IS or I AM”)
Exodus 3:15b NIV
“This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” -
Deuteronomy 5:6 NIV
"I am the LORD (YHWH) your God (Elohim), who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
Deuteronomy 5:7 NIV (the 1st of 10 Commandments)
"You shall have no other gods (elohim) before me."
Deuteronomy 5:8 NIV (the 2nd of 10 Commandments)
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”
Monotheism: “The word “monotheism” comes from two words, “mono” meaning “single” and “theism” meaning “belief in God.” Specifically, monotheism is the belief in one true God who is the only creator, sustainer, and judge of all creation. Monotheism differs from “henotheism,” which is the belief in multiple gods with one supreme God over all. It is also opposed to polytheism, which is the belief in the existence of more than one god.” - Gotquestions.org, Can Monotheism be proven?
1 Corinthians 8:4 NIV
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.”
1 Corinthians 8:5-6 NIV
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “Lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
The question is: What is God like?
The answer is: Look at His son Jesus!
John 10:1 NIV
Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.
John 10:2 NIV
The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
John 10:3 NIV
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
John 10:4-5 NIV
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.
John 10:6 NIV
Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.
John 10:7-9 NIV
Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. "
Because Jesus is “the door” I have direct access to God.
John 10:10 NIV
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
John 10:11 NIV
“I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Because Jesus is “the good shepherd” I can trust Him to lead and guide my life.
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.