THE GOOD SHEPHERD
In the Bible, sheep and shepherds are often used to teach us important spiritual lessons. Jesus Himself said He was the “Good Shepherd.”
Sheep are helpless animals and have no defense features against predators. If one sheep wanders aimlessly, the others will follow. That is why sheep need a shepherd to guide them and provide for their needs.
Without the guidance and care of God in our lives, we are defenseless against the attacks of the devil and of the crowd mentality of doing as others do – good or bad.
Some of the most comforting and uplifting words in the Bible are these:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your 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
In rocky terrain, a sheep may fall over and land on its back. This is called a “cast down” position and is serious for the sheep as it is unable, by itself, to get back on its feet. It will flail around, and its stomach will begin to fill up with gas. As its stomach hardens the air passages get blocked and eventually the sheep will suffocate.
When the shepherd finds a “cast down” sheep, he first rubs its legs to restore circulation, then gently turns it over and comforts and holds onto the sheep until its equilibrium is restored. When the sheep is restored, the shepherd returns it to the flock.
Loving God, Too often we try to do things on our own and we end up like a “cast down” sheep, unable to help ourselves get back on our feet. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we welcome You to take care of us even in this helpless state – especially in those desperate times.
We confess that we are prone to wander from Your guidance and care. Help us to keep our eyes on you and to follow You today, in all our ways, one step at a time. Amen
Let’s welcome the guiding and saving work of our Good Shepherd into all we face today.
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