Re:Verse passage – John 10:10 (day six)
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? Luke 15:3-4
The thief will do whatever it takes to keep you alone. That’s the strategy: isolation. Being made in God’s image, we were designed for fellowship with God and others, so it makes sense that the enemy would scheme to lure us away. He successfully convinces us that we don’t need anyone or have time for them, especially God. He does this subtly, of course; never out in the open. He will whisper things like,
“Listen to your heart.”
“You do you.”
“The Bible is so difficult to understand, plus where would you include it in your life? You are too busy.”
Some of his whispers almost sound noble and lofty, and most result in positioning ourselves over others rather than with others.
The thief’s deepest desire is to keep us alone, but abundant life is found under the care and provision of the shepherd, who leads you to green pasture along with other sheep. You can’t get there on your own.
I don’t often think of stealing and destroying as subtle activities. Thanks for that insight – and warning! Better Together