Daily Worship

Old herd, new herd…

Derek Munn May 11, 2025 4 1
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John 10: 22-30 (NIVUK)

22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered round him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’

25 Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.’

As a typical teenager (many moons ago) I loved listening to music and would obsess over my favourite band of the moment. I’d listen to their music all the time and plaster my bedroom walls with their posters. It was also important in my mind to be cool and follow the herd — the trend of the moment — to fit in with my peers. The problem was often bands would break up and you can imagine the disappointment I experienced at the thought of no more LP’s (yes LP’s) from my idols! It was hard to reconcile the fact that our earthly fixations don’t stay the same.

How wonderful it is to know that Jesus is never going to leave us.

In today’s passage Jesus reminds us that His followers — His sheep — know His voice, follow Him, and are securely held in His care. He gives them eternal life, and nothing can snatch them from His hand. He will always be there for us — he’ll never break up from us. 

In verse 30, Jesus makes the amazing statement, “I and the Father are one.” Wow - Jesus isn’t just telling us about God — he is God. How wonderful that we are known, loved, and protected by Christ, who is one with the Father.

So — are we following the old herd, our earthly trends and habits, or are we following Jesus and his promise?

 

Prayer:

 

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for being our Shepherd — gentle, strong, and always near. 

Help us to listen for Your voice and follow where You lead. 

Thank you that you are always there for us and that we are forever held in Your hand. We ask you to strengthen our faith and deepen our trust, knowing that no one can separate us from Your love.

Amen.