Day #77 - I AM the Good Shepherd

The Presence - A Devotional for Living in Thanksgiving, Worship and Wonder

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep… My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬, ‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Photo by Biegun Wschodni on Unsplash

What do you know about sheep?

I don’t have a lot of firsthand knowledge about sheep but I know they are animals that need help and are very vulnerable creatures. Some argue they are dumb and others they are rather intentionally. Culturally, we even use the word sheep to explain someone who will just go along with the crowd and isn’t aware of what’s really happening in society. One thing that is true about sheep is that they are dependent on a shepherd to watch over them, care for them and nurture them.

Personally, I want to grow in my understanding more of Jesus as the good shepherd. I need his care and I am fully dependent on him, but how easy it is to go through difficult things in life and not really come before the Presence of the one who could care for and tend to the needs of my soul.

Why is Jesus the good shepherd? Because he lays down his life for the sheep. Ultimately, his care for us is fully exemplified in his willingness to go the cross for us and die for us. This shows the tender love of his heart towards us that he cares for us so much that he would give everything for us. You can trust the good shepherd with your heart and mind.

As Jesus reveals, I AM the good shepherd, he also teaches us here that we know his voice, that he knows us and that we follow him. This shows us that time in God’s presence is time for us to allow Jesus to minister to us as the good shepherd who speaks to us about the issues of our soul.

As I behold the good shepherd, I want to draw near to him and hear his voice. Sometimes in the presence we have so much to say and he is certainly ready to listen, but how healing and strengthening it can be to let our shepherd speak over us as we sit before him and minister to the needs of our heart.

• Are you hurting? Come to the good shepherd.

• Are you tired? Let the good shepherd carry you as his sheep.

• Are you lost? Listen for the voice of the good shepherd and experience his saving grace.

• Are you lonely? Watch how the good shepherd will see you isolated and minister to the needs of your heart.

• Are you afraid to trust? Look to the good shepherd and see how he lays down his life for you in sacrificial love.

• Are you needing hope? Listen to the voice of the good shepherd, he has something to speak to you and you will know his voice.

Lord Jesus, good shepherd of my soul. I sit quietly before you today. Speak to me your word. Thank you that I know your voice. Thank you for your care for me. I receive your love. Help me to listen. I wait upon you and open my heart to you. In your name, amen.