#3 Jesus, Be our Shepherd!

This is the third devotional in a series, explained in the former post on July 30th.

When I first moved overseas after college, I brought along an enormous cross-stitch as a creative outlet—a pastoral natural scene rich in color and symbolism. In the picture, countless sheep donned the backdrop as Jesus stood large in the forefront. In one arm he grasped the strong shepherd’s staff, and in the other, a defenseless baby sheep. At the top were these simple yet profound words—Lost no more. As I lived out my first two years in China, God freed me from my previous high regards of my own spiritual maturity and the title of the cross-stitch took on new meaning for me. I wondered, By the time I finish stitching this, will I understand more about resting in the loving care of my Shepherd?

Since that time, I have become a shepherd to a little flock of my own. As a mother I often feel the weight of responsibility to nourish and protect my children from harm. Yet even more having become a shepherd of sorts, I daily feel the need for a Great Shepherd who will guide my steps as I guide theirs. Everyday brings forth need for spontaneous wisdom and instant sage counsel that I lack! I too am just a little sheep!

In John 10, Jesus reveals one of the most comforting pictures found of Himself in the Scriptures—He is our good Shepherd. It is challenging for our Western, 20^th century minds to grasp what the 1^st century Jew heard when Jesus related this teaching. When Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, He spoke to an agrarian audience that daily lived in the world of smelly sheep. They knew the vulnerabilities of the flock and the dangers of exposure to carnivores and the elements. A shepherd was a worker of humble means, yet the learned Jew would have known God’s condescension as He often referred to Himself as a Shepherd in the Old Testament (Genesis 49:24; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:1-12). They would have been familiar with commanding figures such as Moses and King David who were referred to as shepherds of the people of Israel. (Numbers 22:17; 2 Samuel 5:2; Psalms 78:71) The imagery was strong in their minds, and we may likely imagine Jesus teaching against the backdrop of a local flock.

As I reflect on this scene in John 10, I am reminded of something the New Testament saints also experienced. Life on the ranch with the sheep is different than I first imagined. In our Christian circles, we often hear talk about the abundant life. Doesn’t your heart delight in the images of quiet waters and green pastures? Surely He will only lead us to places of rest and delight, right?

In fact, Jesus does speak of the abundant life in John 10. Yet its easy to overlook the mention of His impending slaughter (as a sheep Himself!), wolves who daily prey on the vulnerable sheep, and hirelings who bolt in fear at the first sign of threat. Jesus cautions what all lesser shepherds must learn—we live amongst the real threat of attack from an enemy who seeks and plots our demise. The enemy is pleased to isolate us from the flock of God’s people leaving us alone and defenseless. Comforted? Welcome to Shepherding 101!

Though these warnings at times send my fearful heart running for cover, Jesus offers other words of peace in the midst of this grim scene. Consider His comforts with me afresh.

Our Shepherd is genuinely committed. He is not like any parent, leader, or pastor who has failed you in the past. Though the hired hand escapes at the first sign of trouble, Jesus will not abandon His flock. He gives His word as He lays down His life.

Our Shepherd offers genuine guidance. We don’t need to know the way to go. We just need to follow the voice of the Shepherd. Though our path is marked by unexpected twists and sheer drop-off cliffs, we have a leader that walks before and beside.

Our Shepherd offers genuine security. Our final haven is confidently certain. At times, the pathway to our Refuge will include sighting of wolves and devastating loss. But He will never let us go. He will carry us safely Home.

We don’t have to live very long before we discover the dangers of life as a sheep. How much more as a shepherd, with responsibilities for those under our care! One episode of the evening news can counter the peace of His comfort in our hearts. As sheep we are notoriously forgetful and fearful. We need constant reminders from His Word and the rest of the flock of His truth and His care. Remember today afresh, little sheep. You have a great and loving shepherd who will never let you go and guarantees your final rest in His care! Rejoice!

Lord,

Thank you for being our good shepherd. We feel the threats of destruction and loss all around, yet your Promises remain sure. Help us to rest in the assurance of your loving care, even as we fight against doubt and attack. We long for the day of our final rest beside the Living waters. Bring us safely Home!
Amen.

Questions for further reflection:

1. What is your view of the abundant life? Does it include the existence of wolves and attacks? How is the life Jesus offers here full of hope in the midst of danger?

2. What are the current threats and confusions you are experiencing along your journey as a sheep? How can you rest in the assurance of His commitments to you?

3. Are you an isolated member of the flock? Do you have sources of encouragement and accountability with other sheep? Does your community continually point you back to the Shepherd? If not, what is a first step you can take towards the protection of the community of God’s sheep?