I Am the Good Shepherd

If you watch the news, or partake in social media, you may have noticed an increasing theme of violence throughout our country. This causes distress for many and may prompt the questions, “What has happened in our land? What causes such madness?”.

This bleak view of humanity sounds like the state of affairs that Jesus describes in John 10:8 – “All who have come before me are thieves and robbers.” Jesus offers us hope in the midst of despair when he said. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (vs. 10)

In the time of Jesus, shepherds would built makeshift enclosures if they were away from the barn and pens.  They would use sticks and stones to build an enclosure and then they would sleep in the only spot that was a gateway. In John 10, Jesus uses the picture of a shepherd and his sheep to assure us of His protection.  Jesus says He’s “the gate for the sheep who lays down his life for the sheep. (vs. 7,9,11, 15)

Psalm 23 tells us that in Christ we “lack nothing” (vs. 1) and are “refreshed” (vs. 3).  He leads us down the right paths of His perfect will, so that even when we face dark times, we need not be afraid, for He is present to comfort us (vs. 3-4). His goodness and love follow us every day, and we have the privilege of His presence forever (vs. 6).

You and I are called to hear the Shepherd’s call and to experience the full and abundant life He came to give us.  We are also called to share this good news with all, especially the lost and lonely.  If we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we need to seek the lost and tell the lost about the love of Christ.

Prayer – Jesus, you the source of all true life.  Help me to find my fulfillment in You and then to share this fulfillment with all that I meet.  Amen.

John10:10-11 – I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  I am the good shepherd.

Author: Tommy Herndon