John 10:11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the sheep.

 

In the Tenth Chapter of John Jesus refers to Himself as the “Good Shepherd.“ A good shepherd will do whatever it takes to care for the sheep in his flock. They are his to care for and watch after. Every newborn lamb is precious to the shepherd and he loves them enough to even lay down his life for them.

 

A good shepherd will fight off wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions if he has to. He is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect his sheep. He knows they are helpless and can not protect themselves from the enemy without him. Therefore, he watches over each and every one with great care. Every sheep needs a good shepherd.

 

Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

Here in Hebrews we see Jesus referred to as the “Great Shepherd” who lives with the sheep and never leaves them unattended. Sheep are not smart animals. They have a tendency to wander off away from the flock and get lost. They follow their nose into harmful places and often get stuck in briers and thickets. They are not aggressive enough to fight their way out. Therefore, not rescued, they will surely die. This is why they need a great shepherd to look after them every day.

 

1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.

 

In this Passage Jesus is called the “Chief Shepherd.” The Chief Shepherd is over all the other shepherds and at the proper time, he comes to gather all the sheep together into one giant flock and take them away. At that time the lower shepherds are rewarded for their work.

 

As we look at these three Passages we find Jesus to be the “Good Shepherd” the"Great Shepherd” and the “Chief Shepherd.” It’s quite a picture! We have an awesome Savior who is our Shepherd. He laid down His life for us before we even knew Him. Since the day we were born again, He has stayed with us every step of the way guiding us back into the pasture where we belong. He has even made some of us shepherds over other sheep and helped us to fulfill that responsibility. One day He will return for all of us. At that time He will gather us all up and we will be rewarded with crowns that will never fade. What a day that will be!

 

We thank Jesus for laying down His Life for us, His lowly sheep. We praise Him for never leaving us as we continually wander off and get into trouble. We are grateful for His faithfulness to nurse us back to health and rescue us from the enemy. We praise Him for everything he has taught us and the example He set for us. We eagerly await that Day when He shall return for all of us; His entire flock! Let us give Him Praise for who He is, what He has done, and what is yet to come! Hallelujah! ! !

 

He IS coming back for us. At some point He WILL……..turn the tide

 

One very grateful sheep,            Doreen

 

www.bettsministries.org