BLAIRGOWRIE

JESUS CHRIST said,

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep, I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”   John 10 v14

 

This is the time of year when we often go out for a drive and a walk in the beautiful countryside around us. We do live in “berry” country, but we also see fields of sheep and the lambs getting bigger. That makes me think of today’s verse. All the sheep look the same to me, but Jesus says we are His sheep and He knows each man, woman and child and He knows His own. He doesn't need to go looking for the coloured markings. He knows each one individually.

Why does Jesus compare us to sheep? A few thoughts on that.

Sometimes we are defenseless, like sheep we need a Protector.
Sometimes we are wary, like sheep we need a Comforter.
Sometimes we are in want, like sheep we need Provision.
Sometimes we are lacking wisdom, like sheep we need Guidance.

Sometimes we wander out of the field and need Rescued.

Shepherds today still use dogs and other means to safely herd their sheep; and they go looking for the wandering sheep.

We have a Good Shepherd, Jesus, who will leave His ninety-nine sheep in safety and go after one lost sheep until He finds it. He seeks the lost and brings back the strays. He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him.

He laid down His Life for His sheep…that is for each one of us.

I will leave you with the 23rd Psalm. Read it again and remember you and I are His sheep and He cares for us no matter what we do or where we wander off to.

 

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by

My soul he doth restore again;

And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
For His Own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear none ill:

For Thou art with me and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnished

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint;

And my cup overflows .

Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me:
And in God's House for evermore

My dwelling place shall be.

(Psalm 23 from The Scottish Psalter 1929)