The Good Shepherd

This past Sunday I preached on the subject of The Good Shepherd. You will recall the words of Jesus, “The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice…” (John 10:2-4).

This is a picture of the shepherd leading his sheep from the community sheep pen to the grassy pastureland up in the hills. It is not in the best interest of the sheep for the shepherd to leave them in the sheep pen. Therefore, the shepherd moves them forward.

He does the same for us! I like the words of the old devotional writer J. Danson Smith, “Take heart! It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best. Forward in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights! He goes ahead of us (Psalm 23:2). So whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him, and the eye of faith can always discern His majestic presence out in front. When His presence cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move ahead. Comfort your heart with the fact that the Savior has Himself experienced all the trials He asks you to endure; He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too difficult or strenuous for you.

This is the blessed life—not anxious to see far down the road nor overly concerned about the next step, not eager to choose the path nor weighted down with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time.”

Jesus is the Good Shepherd! So follow Him, stay close to Him, and trust always in Him wherever He leads. Move forward with Him!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron