The Good Shepherd
As part of Western Civilisation, it isn’t atypical to be able to say that I’ve rarely been to a farm. If it wasn’t for preschool field trips - of which I have no recollection - I would say that anything relating to farming and the animals on it is foreign territory. The reasoning as to why I’m speaking about this is because of this week’s reading.
The reading for this week is that of John 10:11:
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
- John 1011
After having read it, I was perplexed. So curious was I, that I decided to research what a shepherd does.
The internet presented me with the following answer: “A shepherd's primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. Some flocks may include as many as 1,000 sheep. The shepherd will graze the animals, herding them to areas of good forage, and keeping a watchful eye out for poisonous plants.” What would that entail for the believers? Those who follow the Messiah?
That means that we are meant to observe our shepherd’s, Yeshua, every move. We are meant to go where He wants us to go, as we are meant to be kept safe by Him. While we may be many believers, He tends to each and every single one of us individually. He gives us the bread of life, which can only come from Him, all while distancing us from poisonous plants. These plants could be false doctrines and sin.
We cannot live by our own power, for that is the road to death and damnation. Christ must be our Shepherd, the one who guides us and protects us
Associated Bible verses: John 10:14 - 15; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:17
Think About It: When does it happen to me to deviate from the Good Shepherd? Why do I deviate? How do I get back to the Shepherd? How can I spend more time in His presence?
Prayer: This week, focus on making Yeshua your Shepherd once more: focus on His word and following His commands. Let the small things that the Spirit of truth tell you to do become your actions and His grace become the song of your lips.