For the One
John 10:16 (NET)
“I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
In our journey of faith, it’s easy to become discouraged, especially when our efforts to share the Gospel and live out our faith seem to go unnoticed. However, John 10:16 offers us a powerful perspective on the value of our ministry. Jesus spoke these words to His followers, emphasizing that He has a broader flock beyond the immediate community of believers. His mission includes reaching those who are not yet part of His sheepfold, and He uses us to bring them in. This verse reminds us that even if we cannot see the full impact of our efforts, God is working to gather those who will hear His voice.
You never know who you are impacting with your faithfulness. The story of Dionysius in Acts 17 illustrates this beautifully. Paul preached in Athens, addressing a large crowd with mixed reactions. While many scoffed, Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, heard the message and believed. This “one” individual, whose heart was prepared by God, went on to make a significant impact in the early church. Paul’s message reached far beyond the immediate audience, showing that even a single person's response can be transformative.
This principle applies to our everyday interactions as well. The small acts of kindness, the personal conversations about faith, and the consistent witness of our lives may have a profound effect on someone who is ready to hear God’s call. We may never fully see the ripple effects of our actions, but we can trust that God is using them in ways we might not immediately understand. Our role is to remain faithful, trusting that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.
John 10:16 also encourages us to remember that God’s work is ongoing and inclusive. Jesus’ mission encompasses all who are yet to come to faith. By being faithful in our witness, we participate in the broader work of gathering God’s flock. As we continue to share the love and truth of Christ, we contribute to this grand, divine plan. Keep in mind that every interaction, every word of encouragement, and every act of love plays a part in bringing those “other sheep” into the fold.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that our efforts in sharing Your love are part of a grander plan. Help us to remain faithful in our witness, knowing that You are working through us to reach those who are not yet part of Your flock. Give us confidence in the unseen impact of our actions and strengthen us to continue in Your mission. May we trust in Your timing and embrace the opportunity to be part of Your work in gathering souls to Yourself. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
“I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock and one shepherd.”
In our journey of faith, it’s easy to become discouraged, especially when our efforts to share the Gospel and live out our faith seem to go unnoticed. However, John 10:16 offers us a powerful perspective on the value of our ministry. Jesus spoke these words to His followers, emphasizing that He has a broader flock beyond the immediate community of believers. His mission includes reaching those who are not yet part of His sheepfold, and He uses us to bring them in. This verse reminds us that even if we cannot see the full impact of our efforts, God is working to gather those who will hear His voice.
You never know who you are impacting with your faithfulness. The story of Dionysius in Acts 17 illustrates this beautifully. Paul preached in Athens, addressing a large crowd with mixed reactions. While many scoffed, Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, heard the message and believed. This “one” individual, whose heart was prepared by God, went on to make a significant impact in the early church. Paul’s message reached far beyond the immediate audience, showing that even a single person's response can be transformative.
This principle applies to our everyday interactions as well. The small acts of kindness, the personal conversations about faith, and the consistent witness of our lives may have a profound effect on someone who is ready to hear God’s call. We may never fully see the ripple effects of our actions, but we can trust that God is using them in ways we might not immediately understand. Our role is to remain faithful, trusting that our efforts are part of a larger divine plan.
John 10:16 also encourages us to remember that God’s work is ongoing and inclusive. Jesus’ mission encompasses all who are yet to come to faith. By being faithful in our witness, we participate in the broader work of gathering God’s flock. As we continue to share the love and truth of Christ, we contribute to this grand, divine plan. Keep in mind that every interaction, every word of encouragement, and every act of love plays a part in bringing those “other sheep” into the fold.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that our efforts in sharing Your love are part of a grander plan. Help us to remain faithful in our witness, knowing that You are working through us to reach those who are not yet part of Your flock. Give us confidence in the unseen impact of our actions and strengthen us to continue in Your mission. May we trust in Your timing and embrace the opportunity to be part of Your work in gathering souls to Yourself. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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