John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Sheep are very vulnerable animals that totally depend on the shepherd. Their poor sense of direction and inability to defend themselves make them rely on their shepherd for food, water and shelter. They have no sense of direction. A lost sheep cannot find its way back to the fold. A shepherd has to go looking for them.
The characteristics of a sheep are very similar to humans. We are vulnerable to the attacks of the evil one without the constant care and guidance of the Good Shepherd Jesus. Hence, David confidently sang, “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:1). Fleece must be sheared regularly. The fleece of a sheep is valuable but if it remains on the sheep for long it would become detrimental to the sheep. Similarly, anything that is of value including our position, power, education, achievements or accolades must be under the care of the Master. Those who carry their fleece and flamboyance would be puffed with pride and dig their own hole of destruction.
We are also directionless without the guidance of the Good Shepherd. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way (Psalm 37:23). Even when we walk through difficult and dark valleys, He leads us. The Good Shepherd led Abraham out of his family of idolaters and promised him an eternal inheritance. He led the Hebrew slaves out of oppression into the land flowing with milk and honey. The same Good Shepherd is still leading us out of bondage, addictions and the treachery of curses into green pastures and still waters.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd:
- Calm: Sheep are hesitant and cautious around fast-moving streams and noisy or turbulent waters. They drink from still or slow-moving streams.
- Content: Further they lie down only when they are fully fed and secure. Lying down and chewing the cud is very important for their health and well-being.
- Confident: Sheep are secure and confident as long as they can hear the Master’s voice.
“Under the care of the Good Shepherd we will be calm, content and confident”
Prayer: Jesus My Good Shepherd, I will always remain under your sovereign protection. Amen
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