We continue to consider just what the Saviour tells us about Himself, the SHEPHERD and His sheep. We considered how the Lord knew His sheep but . . . . .
THE SHEEP KNOW THE SHEPHERD
“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers, . . . . . I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine,” verses 4-5, 14.
Sinners flee from Christ. “And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden,” Genesis 3:8.
Scripture: And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God, Luke 13:12-13.
The account of the delivering of this woman from bondage, appears only in the gospel of Luke. It is likely that because he was a doctor, he had an interest in the case of this woman. Inspiration worked through the writer and did not set aside the character or the personality of the man.
It is to be noted that it was the Saviour Who took the initiative, verse 12. How many others took any heed of her need or felt for her suffering and plight?
I. THE CONDITION THE WOMAN WAS IN.
“And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself, Luke 13:11.
1. Bound by Satan. He is not the author of sickness as some may believe. Rather, he will, if permitted, inflict it upon men.
2. She had been in that state for 18 years. The affliction of some has been permitted to last a long time.
3. She is in God’s housedespite her affliction. She could not see Christ. She could not lift herself up to see anyone. But she had not forsaken the means of grace. Oh! for more of David’s spirit. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD, Psalm 122:1. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! Psalm 84:1.
II. THE CALL THE WOMAN HEARD.
1. It started when Christ saw her. Truly, the Lord has come to seek and save that which is lost. He has eyes for them only.
2. Then the Saviour spoke to her. It says He called – He summoned her. He spoke words of liberty, verse 12.
3. Then the Saviour touched her. He took hold of her. That is what is need in your life—the Lord to lay hold upon you.
III. THE CHANGE THE WOMAN ENJOYED.
1. She was straightened. She was made straight. She did not straighten herself!
2. It happened immediately. Instantly she stood upright.
3. She then spoke. She knew Who had healed her. And immediately she was made straight, and glorified God, Luke 13:13.
IV. THE CONTROVERSY THE WOMAN PROVOKED.
1. The indignant ruler. Verse 14. The word indignation, suggests great rage. Why should a the healing of a woman cause such anger? And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13:17. The praise was of God and the anger was of the devil.
2. The cover used for the anger. Keeping of God’s law, verse 14. But they were merely putting on an act. That is what hypocrite means = someone pretending to be what they are not.
3. The Saviour’s wise and wonderful answer. An act of mercy or necessity is no breach of the Law of God.
4. The enemy silenced. Praise God, the Saviour can set sinners free and save them and silence His enemies, verse 17.
5. The controversy did not detract from the Lord’s honour. And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13:17. If the enemy was silenced, the people were not. Their mouths were opened.
To refer to someone as being “taken by the hand” is a common phrase, understood by all to mean being favoured by those in power and authority so as to enjoy special privileges.
The Christian is truly someone who is being taken by the hand and that by Someone Who is of ultimate power and athuthority. The privileges they enjoy as a result are of the highest order for they are favoured by the King of kings and Lord of lords!
Consider how favoured the Christian is as someone led by the hand of the Lord.
I. HERE IS AN ILLUSTRATIVE PICTURE OF TRUE CONVERSION.
1. The initative was the Lord’s. He takes the sinners hand. Ps 18:16; 40:2, Mark 1:31; 41.
2. There is a work of persuasion. The sinner yields to the hand of Christ.
3. What grace is displayed. God is seen hand in hand with sinners!He loves them, He is reconciled to them, He is their friend!
II. HERE IS AN INSTRUCTIVE PICTURE OF REAL RELIGION.
What is it to be a real Christian? It is to walk hand in hand with Christ.
1. Here is a loving relationship. Here is union.
2. Here is a harmonious relationship. Here is a harmonious relationship. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3.
3. Here is an orderly relationship. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14. Christ takes the lead. The believer goes where the hand of the Lord leads Him.
III. THE ULTIMATE CONCLUSION OF TRUE RELIGION
We are going to that place to which the Lord is guiding us!
1. We have His company all the way. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death,” Psalm 48:14. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me,” Psalm 23:4.
2. A successful conclusion to our pilgrimage is assured. As it was with the Exodus, when the Lord led His people out of Egypt, so it will be with all Whom He leads by the hand.
3. He will lead us into glory. “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings,” Hebs 2:10. “And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad,” John 11:52. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together,” Romans 8:17. “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified,” Romans 8:30. “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,” Hebs 6:20. He has gone to spy out the land for us.
Here are all those who were led by the hand. Rev 7:9-17.
