I Am The Good Shepherd

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"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." - (Jn. 10:11, NASB)

A brief excerpt from yesterday's message.

   I am not a shepherd, although I have been around them some. What I know of them is not generally pleasant: they stink, they are stubborn, and they are not too bright. If I have offended any shepherds then I am sorry. I mean no disrespect, but you do have my sympathy. Sheep, by nature, are very weak animals. Without proper protection and provision they would die. In my own humble opinion, I think sheep would have been wiped out centuries ago if it were not for shepherd, but I digress. Sheep stand no chance in the face of predators. They would scatter, then become an easy meal, that is, without the presence of the shepherd. The shepherd's job is to do what sheep cannot do for themselves. When wolves and other predators come, the shepherd positions himself between them and the sheep, and defends the flock, either by chasing off or destroying the predator. The sheep will be on edge, but they will be safe. 
   With this in mind, consider Jesus' words, "I am the good shepherd." If you read the whole chapter, you will see that He is not merely a shepherd for hire, but the owner of the sheep.  Since they are His own possession and prize, He cares for them, watches over and protects them, and provides what they cannot: life. In fact, the manner in which He provides life for the sheep is through His own death. In dying, He brings life. 
   Now the best part, we are the sheep! And, yes, those unkind facts about sheep apply to us in general also. However, our shepherd, the LORD Jesus, provides everything that we need for life. He protects us, guides us, feeds us, nurtures us, and calls us by name. He is not just a shepherd, but the Good Shepherd. As sheep, the best place that we can position ourselves is right beside the shepherd. Whatever things may try to intrude into your walk with Jesus, be vigilant. Keep close to Jesus. This is the only safe place to be.

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