Soon after Jesus begins His ministry, He starts inviting people to follow Him. Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew, to name a few. And people gather around Him, listening to His teaching because He teaches with authority, with confidence, and He’s a fantastic storyteller. Parables about lost coins and prodigal children and what kind of soil makes seeds grow, and the widow’s mite, and farmers and tenants and wedding parties and: sheep. Jesus talks a lot about sheep, about shepherds who find their lost sheep and about what it takes to be a good shepherd. A modern farmer with a sheep operation was quoted, “Sheep are born lookin’ for a way to die.” In other words, not smart. But they can and do attach to their shepherds, and know to come when called.
Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Many people heard Jesus’ voice. Many people got invitations to follow Him, but not everyone did. When Jesus calls to us, He wants an intimate relationship with us that will last to eternity, one where we know His voice and can distinguish His call in a cacophony of noises, and follow Him. He grasps on to us, and no-one can snatch us away. We will never perish because Christ has laid down His life for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, my Good Shepherd, help me listen for Your voice. In this world where many call out, give me ears to hear You, to know Your call, and to follow where You lead. Dwelling in the hollow of Your hand, and resting in the assurance that I shall never perish, let me receive the abundant life You give. In Jesus’ name, amen.