The Good Shepherd

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep...I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me. (John 10:11, 14)

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us His sheep in order to give us eternal life and abundant life. Our Shepherd is good all the time and is watching over us all the time. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He unceasingly shows His loyal love, genuine concern, and devoted care for His sheep. The sheep's responsibility is to listen to the Shepherd and follow Him. We must recognize His voice. To do so, we must remain close to Him at all times. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" (Isaiah 30:21)  

Jesus knows us and we know Him. This is not a general knowledge but rather a deep, intimate relationship...the kind that is shared between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus knows every detail (the good, the bad, and the ugly) about us yet He still loves us perfectly! "...'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine!'" (Isaiah 43:1b) "We are not lost in the crowd. Each one of God's children, is the special object of His love and thought and care! ...Every redeemed one has his own special place in the heart of Christ!" (J.R. Miller) I am treasured by Him and so are you. Yahweh Rohi ("The LORD Is My Shepherd") is not only our tender Provider, but also our strong Defender! He is protective of His sheep and He rescues His sheep when they fall or get lost.We can rest in Him knowing that we're loved, taken care of, safe and secure forever. In saying "safe and secure", I'm referring to John 10:28, "I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand."

"Jesus loves His sheep.
Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. 
Jesus lives to take care of His sheep.
Jesus will never, on any account, part with His sheep. 
He can guard them, and He will surely keep them. 
Whoever may perish--they never shall. 
His Father will not permit it. 
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit will prevent it. 
The love, power, and honor of Jesus combine to render it impossible!" (James Smith) 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross to pay for my sin so that I may live eternally with You! Thank You for loving me, protecting me, guiding me, and taking care of all my needs! In You, I lack nothing. Please help me to know You more and to live for You always. Please direct my every step and help me to hear Your voice clearly.