January 24, 2016

The Good Shepherd

In the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus compares the relationship to His followers with that of a shepherd and his flock. Have you ever heard of a cattle drive? In the American consciousness, the cattle drive evokes memories involved of cowboys on horseback moving herds of cattle long distances to market.

However, sheep cannot be herded like cattle, they must be led. When they are bunched with other flocks, they follow their shepherd’s voice as he leads them away. They know his voice just as children know their parent’s voice. They will not follow a stranger. Better still, the good shepherd recognizes each of his sheep and calls them by name.

Whereas, hired hand tends sheep for money. The good shepherd owns the sheep and takes care of them out of love. This is the difference between doing a task and willing to lay down your life for something you love.

The sheep depend on him for everything, even their very lives. Ask yourself, “Do I recognize my shepherd’s voice? Or am I listening to another voice?”

Truth cannot be sacrificed at the alter of a pretended tolerance. All religions, plainly and simply, cannot be true. -Ravi Zacharias, “Jesus Among Other Gods”

John 10:14 (AMPC)

“I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me—”

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