In the Shepherd’s Care

 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  – John 10:11

In the scripture preceding today’s verse, Jesus explains how a hired hand will run when they see the wolves coming, leaving the sheep to their own defenses. But a good shepherd cares for his sheep and will lay down his life for them. Later in John 10, Jesus says no one will snatch his sheep out of his hand. What a comfort it is to belong to the flock of the Good Shepherd. He says that His sheep know His voice (10:4). 

Also in John 10, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (verse 30) for which the religious leaders of the day wanted to stone Him. Luke records His further description of His Father’s care by pointing out that He feeds the bird and clothes the field with lilies, and how much more He values people (Luke 12:24-28).  

Today, as you set aside time to read God’s word and pray, listen for the Lord to speak to you. Rejoice that Jesus cared for you so much that He laid down His life. Trust that you are able to hear the voice of His Spirit. Pray for God’s will to be done. Jesus affirmed that He did the works of the Father as He healed the sick, delivered the demon-possessed, and taught about the Kingdom. Pray, as it says in Matthew 9:38, for the Father to send workers into the “harvest fields” across the United States and all around the world. Reach out in love to those the Father has put in your life.