Devotional
The Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me.”
John 10:14
John 10:14
The ‘Shepherd’ is one of the more intimate images of devotion and discipleship in the Bible.
From the well known Psalm 23, to Jesus’ instruction to Peter to take care of His sheep, the idea of spiritual leadership being like a shepherd is common and very rich in its meaning.
The image draws from the old way of sheep herding. In those days, sheep were not driven with dogs like they are today but were smaller flocks that would follow the voice of the shepherd. Sheep do not have the ability to forage for food or find suitable water. They are totally dependent on the shepherd.
It is that dependance that the Bible uses to describe our relationship with God. Jesus speaks of Himself as a Shepherd. This means that He does not only save us but also leads us along in life’s journey. The realisation that Jesus is with us, leading us in our life, effects so many things. It brings peace, calm, confidence, and assurance.
The life of discipleship is one of learning to hear the voice of the shepherd and to trust him as He guides. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will always be with us no matter what.
Brett
From the well known Psalm 23, to Jesus’ instruction to Peter to take care of His sheep, the idea of spiritual leadership being like a shepherd is common and very rich in its meaning.
The image draws from the old way of sheep herding. In those days, sheep were not driven with dogs like they are today but were smaller flocks that would follow the voice of the shepherd. Sheep do not have the ability to forage for food or find suitable water. They are totally dependent on the shepherd.
It is that dependance that the Bible uses to describe our relationship with God. Jesus speaks of Himself as a Shepherd. This means that He does not only save us but also leads us along in life’s journey. The realisation that Jesus is with us, leading us in our life, effects so many things. It brings peace, calm, confidence, and assurance.
The life of discipleship is one of learning to hear the voice of the shepherd and to trust him as He guides. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will always be with us no matter what.
Brett
Posted in Devotional