The Boundaries of The Herd

Security

All things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.

Ovid BC 43-18 AD, Roman Poet

Gen 39:20-23
So Joseph's master took him and put him into the jail, the place where the king's prisoners were confined; and he was there in the jail. But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer. The chief jailer committed to Joseph's charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph's charge because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper. NASU

Proceeding forward in our herd allegory we realize that in real life we are not always close together, we are all separated during the week going to our jobs, and taking care of our families and doing the other things that make life special and also trying at times. There are tragedies that strike that try our mettle, and our patience, and they are designed to build our faith. But the one thing that will help to sustain us is the encouragement that is found when we gather together again to worship.

Sir Isaac Newton, left us this treasure, “Yet one thing secures us what ever betide, the scriptures assures us the Lord will provide. When we are faithful to return to worship we will find the strength, and provision, to remain secure no matter where we find ourselves. God is faithful, we see that Joseph’s faithfulness followed him all the way to prison and even in the depths of imprisonment God was with him.

Seneca, the Roman Statesman and philosopher, who lived from 4 B.C. – 65 A.D, spoke of security in this way “Whatever has overstepped its due bounds is always in a state of instability.” What are we saying? We are recognizing that God has placed us within certain bounds, and that if we will live within them we will find security. Will there be storms? Yes, and will there be trying times? Yes, but He will provide stability to those that seek the security that is found in the Body of believers called the Church.

So goes the saying united we stand, divided we fall, and another that says, “There is strength in numbers.” There are many more than this that speak of the danger of being the Lone Ranger. When you find yourself in those circumstances that require risk, isn’t it good to know that you have the strength and support of the whole herd. Christ goes with you, and then the whole Church can support you with prayers and supplication to God for your safe journey and return.

All of this is found in the safety of living in fellowship,and within the bounds of God’s perfect will for our lives…in the safety and fellowship of the Church…God Bless.
Pastor William