LONE WOLF OR GOD'S SHEEP?

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

LONE WOLF OR GOD’S SHEEP?

(Judges 18:7)…They were far from the Sidonians, and they had no ties with anyone.

In the book of Judges we find the tribe of Dan seeking to migrate from their territory in the south to the extreme north. As they were speculating the land they came across a city named Laish that had no ties with anyone. They chose to be independent and not link up with anyone else nearby. This was unusual because cities would usually form coalitions with other cities and people groups for security sake. But the inhabitants of Laish broke from the custom of the day.

As the story goes, the Danites took advantage of their isolation by striking the people with the edge of the sword and burning the city with fire. The scripture repeats itself seemingly to underline something we all need to take heed to: (Judges 18:28) There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no ties with anyone…

A lot of Christians are like the inhabitants of Laish. They are independent in nature and refuse to link up with other believers. They love the Lord but they stand aloof from the community of the King. Perhaps that is just their nature. They like being alone with their own thoughts. People may be intimidating to them and far too competitive. For some, they’ve had bad experiences with church or other believers so they cut their ties and just want to be autonomous in their social life and associations. They’ll read their Bibles sometimes and keep the faith. They’ll even listen to Christian radio or watch Christian programs on the TV or internet. But they refuse to benefit from a satellite hookup and so wander alone in space.

God’s people are sheep. Sheep sense the need to congregate with other sheep. It’s only natural. The Lord didn’t make us lone wolfs. He wants us to be together under Him as the Good Shepherd. The Bible says that at the moment of salvation we were baptized into the body of Christ and became an distinct member thereof (1 Cor 12:13). The word for baptized means fully immersed. Are you fully immersed into the body of Christ? Does it reflect in being an active member of a local body of believers in your community?

Satan would love to pick off an independent lamb out there and have him or her for dinner. Review the benefits of fellowship with others in the household of God: (Eccl 4:9-12) Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up…12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.

Come on and join the fellowship! There is strength in numbers!! We need you and you need us! We’ll be looking for you at church this Sunday where the sheep love to meet and eat! (Pro 18:1) A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.

Louie