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Our Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
My wife was doing some research about shepherds for her bible study group at our church and we got to talking about what she was learning. When digging deep, we were both fascinated about how Jesus used the shepherd to describe His love for us. There is so much to go into while discussing this topic, and I know I can’t cover it all in one column, but I just wanted to break down a few things that I learned today.
There’s a story in Matthew where Jesus talks about how a man would leave his flock in search of one that goes missing. I really believe this demonstrates His ultimate love for us. God goes to great lengths to search out and find those who have gone astray. He doesn’t want any of us to be lost forever.
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” (Matthew 18:12-14)
During the day shepherds would let the sheep roam free in the pasture so they could graze. In the evening they would bring the sheep into a gated area so that they would be protected throughout the night. I found it interesting that the shepherd would sleep at the gate all night long. If his flock were threatened at night, he was right there to fight for and protect his sheep.
We even see in scripture that David, who was a shepherd before he became king, fought off both a lion and a bear in order to protect his flock (1 Samuel 17: 34-37). By comparing Himself to a shepherd and us to His sheep, Jesus was showing us how much He really loves and cares for us. He is always there for us, at the gate of our hearts, protecting us from harm.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
This scripture is really profound. A flock will recognize their shepherd’s voice. If someone else is calling, the sheep will not listen, but if the shepherd calls for them, they listen and obey. On the same token, the shepherd recognized each and every one of his sheep. Each one was a prized possession. We saw earlier that the shepherd would leave the entire flock to find just one that has gone missing.
You are valuable to God. The Shepherd knows you by name. He knows everything about you. He wants to protect you from harm. He wants to give you rest. He wants to restore your soul. Do you know His voice? Do you know that He is always there for you? God loves you so much and He demonstrates that love to us just like the shepherd does to his sheep.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23)
- geno
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HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY TO MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE CILLA!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND THANK GOD FOR BLESSING ME WITH THE BEST WIFE EVER!!!!! - love geno
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