Let's Talk Relationship!

As human beings we instinctively desire relationship, we were designed for it. The Lord created Eve for Adam because of it, stating that “it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18 NLT). We yearn for what lies on the surface of relationship: acceptance, provision, security, direction, sense of purpose, and love to name a few. Relationship with one another stands to provide this and so much more for those involved as well as those around them that are able to reap the benefits of their good fruit. 

I want us to take a look at John 10:1-21, The title of this passage is called The Good Shepherd, I would like to use this passage of scripture to illustrate how God, being The Good Shepherd, simultaneously reveals a picture of relationship. His desire for us to have a relationship with him and how at the root of what we crave in our earthly relationship our Heavenly Father desires to give freely through relationship with him.

John 10:1-21 (NLT):

10 “I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

17 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

19 When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. 20 Some said, “He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?” 21 Others said, “This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

*I will be highlighting a few key scriptures but I encourage you to continue doing so during your study time.*

Let’s unpack this....

4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.

When we are in relationship with God:

He is aware of us, we are seen by Him, He takes ownership of us, and we have identity in Him.

He accounts for and considers us and our whereabouts before He makes a move. When God makes a move He does so with us in mind.

He leads, as to protect us from what may be ahead-that is why it is so important that we position God correctly in our lives. In doing so, it leaves us less susceptible to a hindsight state of mind.

Spending time together is crucial, the scripture says that "they follow him because they knew his voice" How do you get familiar with a voice? You spend time listening to it, ie. spending time in the God's word and in His presence allow you to get familiar with Him to know His character. This is also an indicator of submission and trust; submitting to his lead and trusting He would get you were you need to be. You are not going to follow someone you don't like, don't know, or don't trust.

• Isaiah 43:1-But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says,“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine".

• Luke 12:7- "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows".

• Psalm 27:1- "The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"

9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

When we are in relationship with God:

We are secure, protected, safe and most importantly saved!

You do not have to be all the way (or even some of the way) put together when you come to Christ, just come, He is the only way.

Our needs will be met, this is a promise and the Bible confirms this fact. Good pastures is good ground, a place for His sheep to live, roam, and receive nourishment, a place where they thrive, where they are their very best. A relationship with God is good ground-a place where you never have to worry about lack.

• Psalm 23:1-3- "The Lord is my shepherd;I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name".

• Isaiah 58:11-"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring".

• John 14:6- "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

When we are in relationship with God:

We are able to identify a tree by its fruit. The Lord strategically places this line of scripture to show the difference between He and the enemy, to make us aware of who He is and who he is not.

He shows us His cards in regards to His intentions for us, a relationship with God will not deplete, stagnate, or destroy you. However, it will bless, empower, grow you and so much more.

The life He speaks of doesn't dismiss problems or trials but it's about who is there with you in the midst of it all.

• John 15:5- “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing".

• Jeremiah 29:11- "For I know the plans I have for you,” says The Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope".

• Proverbs 1:33- "But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

When we are in relationship with God:

We are assured that God will never leave us nor forsake us.

The Lord reiterates and confirms our identity in him. He did so in this passage by highlighting the parallel between our relationship with him and His relationship with the Father. He knows us just as intimately.

We are honored by God's ultimate sacrifice.

• Deuteronomy 31:6:-"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

• Jeremiah 1:5- “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations".

• John 12:44- "Jesus shouted to the crowds,“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me".

God has been in relationship with us before we were in relationship with Him. God is the ultimate relationship.

If you have already given your life to Christ yet you feel that your relationship could use some work; it is ok! My prayer for you is that you seek him concerning your relationship asking Him to help you throw off the things that may be standing in the way or weighing you down, repositioning God as the head of your life.

If you do not know Christ and desire to have the ultimate relationship, a relationship with God, by giving your life to him and allowing Him to be the shepherd of your life. I have placed a scripture below and you can receive God right where you are. He loves you and is waiting.

Romans 10:9-11:

9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

May God Bless You.