Beautiful Word Devotional #216

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:11

A bad shepherd lets his sheep to stray. He neglects the flock, allowing the sheep to graze in bad fields or experience life-threatening thirst. He beats the lambs to teach submission and obedience. He isn’t alert to predators, allowing them to get too close to the sheep. Clearly, he doesn’t care much about the welfare of his sheep.

But Jesus is the opposite, rightly calling himself the good Shepherd. When a sheep strays, he goes out looking for that wanderer, searching until he finds it and rejoicing when he does. He stays up during the watches of the night, listening for predators, watching the shadows for movement, protecting his flock from lions and bears. He leads the sheep to green pastures and, according to Psalm 23, to still waters where they can drink. Speaking quietly, he gently guides his flock that willingly follows. This good Shepherd finds joy in how well his sheep are doing.

You, dear one, are a lamb in the care of the good Shepherd.

Lord, I’m so grateful to be in your flock, to have you, the good Shepherd, taking care of me, amen.