Good Shepherd! – Stella Ramola

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
A shepherd loves His sheep. He might know each one of them by name. When a sheep goes astray, He goes behind the one sheep that has been lost and carries it home, close to his chest joyfully. God compares us with sheep. He considers us an innocent being not aware of the danger we might face from predators. He promises to be our good Shepherd for He has given His life to save us. He leads the sheep beside still waters. The only animals that do not sleep are the sheep. That is why God leads them beside still waters so that they will find rest. Sheep are restless. King David knew this as he was a shepherd and that is why he explains how God stills our soul which is restless like the sheep’s.

We all have heard fables about sheep. Once a wolf had been prowling around a flock of sheep for a long time, and the shepherd watched very anxiously to prevent him from carrying off a lamb. But the wolf did not try to do any harm. Instead he seemed to be helping the shepherd take care of the sheep. At last the shepherd got so used to seeing the wolf about that he forgot how wicked he could be. One day he even went so far as to leave his flock in the wolf’s care while he went on an errand. But when he came back and saw how many of the flock had been killed and carried off, he knew how foolish to trust a wolf. The shepherd learnt the lesson that wolf will always be a wolf.

That is why Jesus compared himself a Good Shepherd. He explains how a hired hand will leave the sheep when trouble comes and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it (John 10:12).  But our God is not a hired hand. He suffered on the cross to protect us from the curses and troubles of this world that are prevailing because of the works of the devil. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). So now you don’t have to fear sickness or destruction. God says He will protect you as the apple of His eye (Zechariah 2:8). Nothing formed against you will prevail (Isaiah 54:17). Your Good Shepherd will never let any harm come near you so you can rest your soul on this assurance and be at peace.

Prayer:
Loving Lord Jesus,

It brings joy into my heart to know that you are my Good Shepherd. Thank You for turning my eyes to this truth. Lord I believe You will provide everything for me and I will not lack anything. You will protect me so I need to fear nothing. Let me never forget this truth and let my heart be at rest always. Guide me in all my ways and let me never drift from Your paths.

In Your sweet name I pray,

Amen.