Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life (TFOLC), Ilupeju, Lagos, has declared that sin is the perilous path, leading the sheep (believers) into the valley of the shadow of death.
He made this assertion during the Thursday Showers service on December 21, 2023.
In the continuation of his teaching on ‘The Good Shepherd’, the church’s helmsman underscored his point by referencing the scripture that declares, “The wages of sin is death.”
Focusing on Psalm 23:4, Pastor Jimmy highlighted the unwavering consistency of the Good Shepherd in guiding His sheep to places that genuinely benefit them.
According to him, “As long as you stay with the Shepherd, you find yourself in green pastures, beside still waters; your soul is continually restored, and you are led on the path of righteousness.”
Conversely, he noted that when a sheep finds itself in the valley of the shadow of death, it reflects the inconsistency of the sheep (humankind).
Drawing from James 1:14–16 in the Amplified version, the preacher illustrated the enticements that divert the sheep away from the Good Shepherd into the perilous valley.
Additionally, he gleaned insights from the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, illustrating the consequences when believers stray from the Good Shepherd.
Pastor Jimmy remarked, “Sin will always steal from you,” alluding to the prodigal son who squandered his time and inheritance on sinful pleasures.
He noted that many experience delays in fulfilling their purpose because they deviate from the intended path, adding that, “If I had followed the Shepherd when I was supposed to, I would have been further along in my journey. But sin stole my time, and I find myself not where I’m supposed to be.”
Describing what some people’s journey may look like if they refused to remain with the Good Shepherd, Pastor Jimmy reassured the church that, regardless of how far they may have strayed, the Good Shepherd — the loving Father, never takes His eyes off His sheep.
“The father never abandoned his son; it was the son who chose to leave. Even when the sheep is in the valley of the shadow of death, the unwavering love and mercy of the Good Shepherd are ever-present.”
