“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
God took David from the sheep pens and appointed him to be the shepherd of His people. I’m sure there were aspects of herding sheep that helped prepare him for leading a nation. After the death of Saul, the elders of Israel came to David to anoint him as king, reminding him that God had said, “You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler”(1 Chronicles 11:2b).
The shepherds around Bethlehem were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. Now years later, Jesus tells His disciples that He is the Good Shepherd, the One who takes care of, tends, guards, and leads His own. Not only would He fulfill all of those roles, but He would also lay down His life for His sheep at the cross of Calvary.
Remind yourself of this: I am a sheep in His pasture, experiencing all the benefits that come from having a shepherd. Praise God I am not on my own, wandering through the hazards of life. I belong to Him. He cares for me. He is powerful enough to be the shepherd of the universe, but He has come close enough to be my shepherd!
The shepherds around Bethlehem were the first to hear the news of Jesus’ birth. Now years later, Jesus tells His disciples that He is the Good Shepherd, the One who takes care of, tends, guards, and leads His own. Not only would He fulfill all of those roles, but He would also lay down His life for His sheep at the cross of Calvary.
Remind yourself of this: I am a sheep in His pasture, experiencing all the benefits that come from having a shepherd. Praise God I am not on my own, wandering through the hazards of life. I belong to Him. He cares for me. He is powerful enough to be the shepherd of the universe, but He has come close enough to be my shepherd!
Scripture Focus
John 10:11-18
Insight
Because the Lord is my shepherd, I can pray these song lyrics: “Oh, great God, be small enough to hear me now” (Mindy Gledhill, 2004).
Bible In A Year
- Genesis 8-9
- Psalm 4
- Matthew 6-7
