the good shepherd

Imagine that you’re about to be sent off into the wilderness for a few days. You will have to find food, make shelter, & probably defend yourself. You may select one individual to accompany you on this journey. What kind of person would you choose ??

The deciding factor for me is TRUST.

I want someone who knows me, knows the wilderness, & is 100% committed to see me through to the other side.

In some ways, you & I are living out this scenario each day. We are desperate for the advice, leadership, & company of someone we trust.

Many times we find comfort in asking the “Good Shepherd” for direction // clarity when life gets difficult, but I think perhaps you & I have misconstrued the meaning of good. We get excited because, to us, it insinuates that everything will work out for my benefit. Friends, let me lovingly remind you that consulting the Good Shepherd does not always result in affirmation of your desires. YES, He is the Shepherd of Psalm 23:2 leading us to green pastures & beside still waters, but do not forget He is also the companion in Psalm 23:4 walking alongside us through the darkest valleys.

Yesterday, I read John 10, a passage I’ve seen many times before. Let’s talk about verses 12 &13 though.

“He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”

There’s a beautiful contrast going on here between the Shepherd & hired hand that I DO NOT want you to miss! The key difference is the immense compassion & commitment shown in the shepherd. Because the hired hand doesn’t own the sheep, he doesn’t care for them the way the shepherd does. On the other hand, the shepherd is fully committed to his flock, even to death. There’s SO much wrapped into the meaning of shepherd— provider, protector, guide. It’s personal (“he calls his own sheep by name” vs 3). Here, the word ‘good’ suggests loyalty & consideration of another’s best interest, unlike the hired hand who only looks out for himself. Therefore, we see that shepherding is selfless.

So I want to ask you the same question I asked in the wilderness scenario:: You’re embarking on the journey of life; who do you choose to accompany you? Whose advice will you listen to? Where will you turn when you need help? When it comes down to it, the central question is this:: Will you walk with the shepherd or the hired hand?

Let me assure you that there is none more faithful than Jesus. He knows you intimately (Isaiah 43:1), understands every aspect of this life (hebrews 4:15-16), & is 100% committed to your cause until death (Deuteronomy 31:8). We can come to Him with our deepest desires & aspirations & TRUST HIM fully with them. Rest assured that your plans are more secure in His hands than yours.

I’ve studied this facet of the Lord’s identity for a few days now and have increased in both an understanding of His character AND my propensity to trust Him. here's the conclusion ive come to-- I long for discernment & direction from the Good Shepherd because I am incapable of leading a fruitful life otherwise.

What does it mean for YOU to walk with the Good Shepherd?

Why do you desire His help?

Even after reading this short snippet of what I’ve learned, I hope your heart’s response is an overflow of awe, adoration, & gratitude for our God. PRAISE the Lord we are not left in fickle hands !!! He is our Rock, steadfast & sure. He is devoted to your cause.

We are on the verge of a new academic year & there’s no better time to implement godly practices into your life! Meditate on these truths. Devote time to studying the Word. Ask questions. Seek His face day after day after day. Whether you need motivation to start new habits or continue these daily disciplines, I encourage you to MAKE !! HIM !! A !! PRIORITY !!