The Other Sheep
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Christina Stanley, SGM Core Team)
READ:
John 10 (NIV)
For this BRD, I focus on verses 4 and 16 which resonate deeply with me.
OBSERVE:
Only Jesus, as our Lord and Saviour, has the authority to enter the sheep pen. He is the “good shepherd” of the sheep, whom the gatekeeper recognizes. Jesus calls out to His sheep, they recognize His voice, and follow Him. He then goes to the front of the sheep, and leads them to pasture (v4). Jesus also has sheep in other sheep pens, and He will bring them also because He desires that there shall only be one flock and one shepherd (v16). Why other sheep pens? Farmers would typically separate the sheep by breeds, as each breed has different needs and challenges. The ‘other sheep pens’ which Jesus referred to would have referred to the Gentiles who had accepted Jesus, but were not of the fold of Israel.
APPLY:
In today’s context, I believe that Jesus desires all, regardless of ethnicity, culture, tradition and language to know and follow Him. He is an inclusive God and desires all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). I may already be among the sheep that knows the Shepherd’s voice, and my salvation is secured. But I wonder, does God have a role for me to add sheep to His other sheep pens? Is God calling me to share the Gospel with others of a different culture, to go beyond my comfort zone? How can I bring others to recognize the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him?
Many ideas were presented recently by the social concerns and outreach, and the missions ministries about outreach opportunities.
DO:
In 2025:
- I am keen to advocate for sustained engagements in order to be effective in building trust and friendships with these pre-believers in order to bring them to Christ.
- I would like to be more intentional in reaching out to pre-believers. There are excellent opportunities in surrounding countries, as well as the disadvantaged elderly and families in Singapore.
PRAY:
Lord, thank You for being our loving Shepherd. I am privileged to be among Your sheep, and am secure to know that You guide and protect us. Help me not to be complacent to just follow You. Help me to do what I can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to bring “other sheep” into Your pen, that they too may recognize Your voice, and taste Your goodness. Enable and equip me. Thank you Lord Jesus. Amen.
