September 13

"The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd…" (John 10:11, 14 NIV)

The Bible sometimes describes Christians as sheep. God wants to say something important regarding this image. The sheep are very dependent on their shepherd and so we too must be dependent on Jesus.

But the image also speaks strongly about the shepherd’s character. He rejoices over His flock, He does all He can to provide the sheep with the best feed, the greenest pasture, and fresh water and He shields them from storms, enemies, sickness and parasites that could easily cause illness.

Not all people will want to identify themselves with sheep that are weak and dependent. Many people would prefer to be strong, self sufficient and independent, and this description probably suits our human nature. But it’s in the dependence on the Shepherd that the sheep’s security lies.

Chrystostomon, in the fifth century is reported to have said: ”As long as we are lambs we will be victorious, because the Shepherd protects us, but as soon as we become wolves we will lose, because then the Lord forsakes us, because He only protects lambs not wolves.”

Prayer

Jesus, help me today to enter into Your protection and to accept Your care for me as one in Your beloved flock.