A TIME OF TRANSITION
Jesus refers to His followers as sheep. Let us look at some of their characteristics.
Sheep are…
- submissive
- completely dependent on the Shepherd
- responsive to love and care
- are easily panicked
- are gullible
- are vulnerable to fear and therefore stampede easily
- are vulnerable to mob psychology, so they are easily influenced by a leader – whoever that leader might be
- have only one defense – to run
- are easy prey to enemies
- are easily flipped over and cannot right themselves without the Shepherd
- need a lot of care
- are not concerned about the Shepherd's needs – only their own.
- are not concerned about pleasing the Shepherd, but rather are focused on pleasing themselves.
- In Moses’ Tabernacle sheep could go no further than the Brazen Altar. They could not approach the Brazen Laver, not to mention the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.
- Sheep were unable to be intimate with the Shepherd since they are a different species from Him.
A bride…
- Grows in intimacy with her Husband and seeks to please Him
- As a result of this intimacy, knows not just His acts but understands His ways
- Partners with Him
- Is in covenant with Him
- Represents Him in His absence. (People will judge Him by how she looks, speaks and acts.)
- Carries His Name
- Bears and raises His 'children' – His fruit
- Submits to His leadership
- He is her covering, therefore she knows that He takes care of all of her needs - just as He does with His sheep. This frees her to focus on their relationship, and on taking care of His business.
Today you and I must first ensure that we change our mindset from being simply a dependent, self-absorbed sheep. We must embrace our life as the Bride of Christ preparing for her Beloved Bridegroom! Then we can move on to our “mikvah” – the Brazen Laver experience.
To be continued…
Again, this revelation is mind blowing and is apt for this time and for this season where the Body of Christ has lost its way. Thank you for your sharing. I bless God for this Rhema Word!!
ReplyDeleteAudrey,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know that I am no longer a sheep but a bride and that a bride has to prepare for her groom.
Thank you for your insight.