Highly Valued
“I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11 csb
The things we value, we sacrifice for—whether it’s our resources, time, energy, or very life. The world around us often tells us that the individual isn’t what matters; rather, society as a whole is what’s most important. This idea, known as “collectivism,” was popularized by Karl Marx in what we know as Marxism. Though he wasn’t the original founder of this philosophy, its roots go back even further. Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Du contrat social (1762) is considered one of the earliest modern influences on this ideology. It argues that an individual finds true identity and freedom only by submitting to the “general will” of the community. The problem with this philosophy is that it elevates the majority above the individual, rendering personal worth secondary.
With this mindset, it’s no wonder people today often feel unseen, uncared for, and undervalued. Society tells them they’re just another face in the crowd, another social security number. Yet, when Jesus came, He proclaimed that each person holds the highest value to God. Using the image of a shepherd, He emphasized His deep love, value, and care not only for humanity collectively but also for each individual.
As C. H. Spurgeon wrote:
“Jesus stands in the same relationship to his people as a shepherd does to his flock. He owns his people; every one of them belongs to him. He prizes them because they are his—sets a value on each of them. He takes care of them, remembering them both night and day. His heart is never off them, and because of his inward love, there is an outward goodness that he constantly extends to them. He protects them from the wolf. He guards them from a thousand dangers. He supplies all their needs. He guides them in their right way. He brings them back when they wander. He strengthens them when they are weak. He carries them when they are too feeble to go on.”
No matter what society tells you or how it views you, know that Christ values you immensely. How can we be sure? Jesus Himself declared, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). There is no greater sacrifice than one’s own life and no greater display of love than death. Jesus laid down His life on the cross, tasting death so that you may live. Believer, you are highly valued, greatly cherished, and deeply loved. Let no one convince you otherwise.
Agape,
Frank
Mud In Your Eye
He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So when I went and washed I received my sight” John 9:11 csb
I remember reading this passage of scripture and feeling confused by it. Later, I had the chance to speak with Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement, and I asked him why he thought Jesus performed this miracle in such a specific way. Why not just speak a word, and the man would be healed instantly? Pastor Chuck paused and said, "Frank, when it comes to understanding the methods and reasons behind how Jesus does things, I don’t have an answer except to say that He is God, and He chose to do it that way.” At the time, I wasn't fully satisfied with that answer. But over the years, I've come to accept that sometimes, that's simply how Christ chooses to work.
Throughout my life, I’ve realized that God doesn’t always act in the ways I expect. Often, He seems to take us the long way around to reach our destination, using methods we might never choose on our own. For instance, the way I came to pastor Calvary Chapel Ascend wasn’t the “typical” route. Most men go through formal training or church-planting networks and are then sent to start a new church where there’s a need. My path, however, was very different—it began when another church closed due to unfortunate circumstances, and those left searching for a church home followed me to my backyard. Over time, I’ve heard countless stories of how God has provided for people through unique, unexpected paths they could never have predicted.
What I’ve learned is that Jesus often uses unconventional methods to fulfill His will. In the Gospels, He healed people in a variety of ways—each situation was as unique as the individual He was healing. If Jesus had always used mud, for example, human nature would lead us to try and replicate that method, turning it into a formula for healing. We’d end up with “mud-flinging healing services” all over town! The truth is, God is free to use any means He sees fit. He cannot be confined to a method or boxed in by our expectations. I’ve learned to give Him space to work as He chooses, to walk by faith, and to trust in His methods—so that He alone receives the praise and glory for every miracle and blessing in my life.
I leave you with the following verse as a final example of unconventional healing that applies to this topic: So Naaman went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, according to the command of the man of God. Then his skin was restored and became like the skin of a small boy, and he was clean. Then Naaman and his whole company went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “I know there’s no God in the whole world except in Israel. 2 Kings 5:14-15 csb
Where is the Lord asking you to dip or to wash, where in what situation is He saying, “Trust Me.”
Agape,
Frank