Being devoted to something means being focused on that particular thing almost exclusively. When you are devoted to a cause, you work to achieve its goals. When you are devoted to a person, you place their needs above your own. Best example of devotion comes from shepherding.
Shepherding was known to be a serious, demanding, strenuous work. Genesis 31:38-41
That a shepherd might not return from shepherding was well understood. Genesis 37:33
Shepherds were thought to have a disposition that was altogether admirable.
They were thoughtful, tender, gentle, strong, resourceful, not hot tempered.
To control the sheep, David would talk, whistle, play flute, so they would know his voice.
Many of God’s leaders became shepherds before becoming leaders, Abraham, Jacob and Moses.
Jacob even called God his shepherd in Genesis 48:15
David as well refers to God as His Shepherd in Psalm 23:1-3; Asaph in Psalm 80:1
If God is our Shepherd, then we are His sheep. Psalm 74:1; 78:52-53; 95:7-8; 100:3
Christ is seen as a shepherd in many prophecies – Micah 5:2-4; Zechariah 13:7; Song of Solomon 1:7,8; 6:2-3
No wonder New Testament writers refer to Him as our Shepherd.
Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4
Therefore it is of no surprise Jesus calls Himself, the good Shepherd in John 10
1-6 Allegory of a shepherd
Sheep hear his voice Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 3:15; John 3:5; Acts 2;37; conviction is hearing voice of God.
He calls them by name John 14:3; Revelation 3:5
He leads them – Matthew 11:28-30; Matthew 16:27-30
Sheep follow because they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow.
Question: have you humbled yourself, to seek after His kingdom, to find the Good Shepherd.
Are you listening everyday to His voice like good sheep do? Takes devotion to be a good sheep.
7-10 I am the Door of the sheep, enter through Me, he will be saved, He will go in and out and find pasture. Ie. throne room of God Hebrews 12:22f
Thief comes to steal and destroy I came that they may have life Abundantly
11-18 I am the Good Shepherd Luke 18:18-19
Who lays down his life for the sheep Isaiah 53:4-7
Hired hand flees the wolf, snatches and scatters the sheep. Put your faith in Christ not men.
I am the good Shepherd, I know My own and My own know Me.
I have other sheep, they will hear My voice, they will become one flock.
Ephesians 2:13-22
The Father loves Me because I lay down My life
19-21 A division occurred He has a demon and is insane.
A demon cannot speak this way, nor open the eyes of the blind, can he?
Some have ears for the Truth, some have ears for the lies. To whom are your ears tuned?
To whom are you seeking? To whom are you listening to everyday?
Are you as devoted to listening to Christ, as King David was, when you read – Psalm 23:1f
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