The Good Shepherd

This devotional considers John 10: 14-18 and Psalm 23:1-4.

Jesus is the only shepherd who has laid his life down for us, only to take it up again. So when we say, the Lord is my shepherd, we understand that he is not the kind of shepherd who leaves us vulnerable. He is the only shepherd who fought for us by giving up his life. Jesus overcame death and hell and is risen. He has all power and authority and goodness in his heart to bless us and tend to our needs.

As Jesus’ sheep who hear his voice and do not follow the voices of strangers, let us hear his voice today when he says you lack nothing. The Lord in his providence, knows our needs ahead of time and makes provision for us. So, let’s stay with him and not look to other means that fall outside the boundaries he has set. We are familiar with those touches of correction and encouragement. So, stay in his comfort.

Jesus will decide on our places of rest. He knows that we need to lie down and be refreshed by his word and by the Holy Spirit. When we get up again, he guides us through the best paths for our lives—even if it means a dark valley. Many of us have walked very dark valleys. But certainly dark valleys end, and certainly our Lord never leaves us alone in them.  Just as he watches over us in green pasture, he watches over us when the only sound and perspective we can discern is what was familiar. So, follow his voice despite the fear.

Jesus says of himself, 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.

Trust Jesus with your life today. He is true and faithful.

Amen.