Who's In Your Flock?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew  7:13-23

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

A Tree and Its Fruit

15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!' [emphasis added]

• Sheep are not aggressive animals

*Wolves are aggressive

• Sheep just want to be fed

*Wolves take what is not theirs

• Sheep follow the Shepherd to great lengths

*Wolves lead their own pack

• Sheep know the voice of their owner

*Wolves sneak in the back door

• Sheep allow their owner [the Shepherd] to fight for them

*Wolves kill and devour anything that stands in their way.

Only the LORD is the judge of them - but we are clearing warned to "watch out"! Take heed to the warning. Great destruction can come from wolves dressed in sheep's clothing when they penetrate the flock of God!

Looking Upward and Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led by the Spirit]