Jesus the Good Shepherd

[bluidkiti]

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

All throughout the Bible we see images of God as our Shepherd. Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” The New Testament describes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and tells us that He lays down His life for His sheep. Jesus says, in John 10:3, that the sheep hear His voice.

I don’t have sheep, but I have two goats named Vincent and Violet. When I speak to them, they know my voice. If I were a stranger they wouldn’t listen, being very stubborn and ornery goats. But when I call Vincent he comes up to the fence for me to rub his head and scratch him between the horns. Violet eats acorns from my hand.

What a lovely thought that our Good Shepherd speaks to us. Here are just a few of the things He says in His Word: “Look to Me . . . I provide all of your needs. Cast your cares on me . . . for I care deeply for you. Rest in me . . . for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I will do the work for you. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will guide you . . . follow me. I am always with you, I will never leave you. I will comfort you. My grace is sufficient. Don’t be afraid, I will protect you. I go before you and I will bless you. You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you. . . .”

Faith Step: All that He is, He is for you. All that He speaks, He speaks to you. Do you hear your Shepherd’s voice?

—Gwen Ford Faulkenberry