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Artwork by Kevin Carden Art
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
-John 10:11
The Shepherd’s job is rough and tough. His job is dirty, his clothes are smelly, and he rarely sleeps. His enemies are thieves, robbers, lions, bears, and heavy eyelids. Shepherds have a tireless job. The Shepherd is solely responsible for his entire flock, every one of those sheep.
To protect their fluffy friends at night, shepherds would lead the flock to the folds, which were large enclosures made of stones or hedges. The barriers would keep sheep in, and wild animals out.
Sometimes, a thief would climb over the wall to steal a valuable animal for wool and meat. But once inside the pen, the sheep would not follow the intruder out. Why? Because the sheep would not recognize the stranger's voice. The sheep would only respond to their Shepherd’s voice. Sadly, the thieves would kill the sheep and throw them over the wall, because the thief only cares about himself.
But the Shepherd is different; he cares more about those sheep than himself. The shepherd risks his life for the helpless wooly creature always slipping in wells, falling in streams, and getting their wool in a knot. Dumb and defenseless, the wooly creature is easy prey for the enemy.
We are not much different. We think we can handle the problem, but before we know it, we are up the creek with nothing but a wooly suit of helplessness. We think we can graze on the world's comforts and pleasures, but we forget that Satan prowls around "looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). Satan, the great enemy, tries to coerce and convince God’s sheep to follow him. But God’s people don’t listen to the Thief, they listen to their Shepherd.
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).
Jesus calls us by name and we come. When we hunger for help, He leads us to green pastures. When we are anxious, He leads us beside still waters. The Shepherd loves his sheep.
Today, I encourage you to take heart and rejoice! We don't just have a simple, dirty shepherd, we have THE SHEPHERD, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He never sleeps, always fights, and never leaves us. By His blood spilled on the cross, we know we are in His protective fold forever.
That leaves us with one thing to say “Baaaaaaaa.” :-)
See you Sunday, I can’t wait!
Pastor Austin
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