--So You Want Self Reliance?
--Isaiah 52:13-53:12-SITUATION:-
Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, the Suffering Servant--Jesus Christ. He referred to the Servant's lowly existence, agonizing death, and honorable purpose.
-OBSERVATION:We needed Christ to die for our sins and provide forgiveness because we are not going to find it any other way.
--INSPIRATION--We humans want to do things our way. Forget the easy way. Forget the common way. Forget the best way. Forget God's way. We want to do things our way.
And, according to the Bible, that's precisely our problem.
"All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, every one, to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6)You wouldn't think sheep would be obstinate. Of all God's animals, the sheep is the least able to take care of himself.
Sheep are dumb! Have you ever met a sheep trainer? Ever seen sheep tricks? Know anyone who has taught his sheep to roll over? Ever witnessed a circus sideshow featuring "Mazadon and his jumping sheep?"
No. Sheep are just too dumb.
And defenseless. They have no fangs, or claws. They can't bite you or outrun you. That's why you never see sheep as team mascots. We've heard of the St Louis Rams and the Chicago Bulls and the Seattle Seahawks, but the New York Lambs?
Who wants to be a lamb? You couldn't even stir up a decent yell for the cheerleaders.
We are the sheep.
We don't make a peep. Victory is yours to keep.
But count us if you want to sleep.....
Still uncomfortable with being considered a sheep? Will you humor me and take a simple quiz?
See if you succeed in self-reliance. Raise your hand if any of the following describe you.
-You can control your moods. You're never grumpy or sullen. You can't relate to Jekyll and Hyde. You're always upbeat and upright. Does that describe you? No? Well, let's try another.
-You are at peace with everyone. Every relationship as sweet as fudge. Even your old flames speak highly of you. Love all and are loved by all. Is that you? If not, how about this description?
-You have no fears. Call you the Teflon toughie. Wall Street plummets--no problem. Heart condition discovered--yawn. World War III starts--what's for dinner? Does this describe you?
-You need no forgiveness. Never made a mistake. As square as a game of checkers. As clean as grandma's kitchen. Never cheated, never lied, never lied about cheating. Is that you? No?
-Let's evaluate this. You can't control your moods. A few of your relationships are shaky. You have fears and faults. Hmmm. Do you really want to hang on to your chest of self-reliance? Sounds to me as if you could use a shepherd.
The Shepherd, Jesus.
--From: Traveling Light/ By:Max Lucado
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