AI
Monday, November 27, 2023 4:55:40 AM
The Parable of the Good Shepherd
Have you ever experienced a sense of grand perspective where you realize your smallness in comparison to the earth’s grandeur? Have you ever contemplated your small stature in light of how colossal the universe is? Every now and then, when I get a sense of my smallness, I am overcome by the fear of being lost. I think, “Who will show me my path in this seemingly increasing world? Who will guide me through the various trials and changes that will undoubtedly come my way? Who will help me?”
One of my favorite metaphors in Scripture is God as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the most equipped guide we could ever have. He holds all of creation in the palm of His hand, and yet He knows the number of hairs on our head. He is the God of the gigantic and a lover of every little detail about us. And He longs to lead us to safe pasture. As we look at the parable of God as the Good Shepherd today, allow your faith and affections to be stirred by God’s promise to guide you into the matchless life He has in store for you.
John 10:14-15 says:
“I am the good Shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.”
Jesus paved the way for us to enter into the most amazing pasture of all: the very presence of the living God. He laid down His life as our Good Shepherd that we might eat of the fruit of His death and resurrection. But God didn’t only lead us to heaven; He continually leads us as our Good Shepherd day in and day out.
In the famous Psalm 23 David writes:
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He guides me along the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
God’s staff is meant to comfort us. As our Good Shepherd He promises to lead us daily to the plans He has for us. That doesn’t always mean that we will be led out of “the valley of the shadow of death,” but that in the valley He will be with us. Our great comfort is the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). As Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” God is with us in times of trouble. He will protect us, provide for us, and lead us to still waters.
God longs to guide you today.
• What trouble is before you?
• Where do you need guidance?
• Where do you need help?
God promises to be your Good Shepherd. You have the most high God on your side. You can trust in His leadership. Jesus was faithful to come and die so that you might have eternal life. He is faithful to lead you to heaven, and He will certainly lead you through whatever trial you are going through now.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Your God is a trustworthy Shepherd. Enter into prayer with expectancy that He will guide you perfectly in His perfect timing. Cast your cares on Him and trust Him. Allow Him to “guide you on the right paths” as you follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.” ~ Hebrews 13:20-21
________________
~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/the-parable-of-the-good-shepherd-2023/
•
Have you ever experienced a sense of grand perspective where you realize your smallness in comparison to the earth’s grandeur? Have you ever contemplated your small stature in light of how colossal the universe is? Every now and then, when I get a sense of my smallness, I am overcome by the fear of being lost. I think, “Who will show me my path in this seemingly increasing world? Who will guide me through the various trials and changes that will undoubtedly come my way? Who will help me?”
One of my favorite metaphors in Scripture is God as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the most equipped guide we could ever have. He holds all of creation in the palm of His hand, and yet He knows the number of hairs on our head. He is the God of the gigantic and a lover of every little detail about us. And He longs to lead us to safe pasture. As we look at the parable of God as the Good Shepherd today, allow your faith and affections to be stirred by God’s promise to guide you into the matchless life He has in store for you.
John 10:14-15 says:
“I am the good Shepherd. I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.”
Jesus paved the way for us to enter into the most amazing pasture of all: the very presence of the living God. He laid down His life as our Good Shepherd that we might eat of the fruit of His death and resurrection. But God didn’t only lead us to heaven; He continually leads us as our Good Shepherd day in and day out.
In the famous Psalm 23 David writes:
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I will not be in need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He guides me along the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
God’s staff is meant to comfort us. As our Good Shepherd He promises to lead us daily to the plans He has for us. That doesn’t always mean that we will be led out of “the valley of the shadow of death,” but that in the valley He will be with us. Our great comfort is the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). As Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” God is with us in times of trouble. He will protect us, provide for us, and lead us to still waters.
God longs to guide you today.
• What trouble is before you?
• Where do you need guidance?
• Where do you need help?
God promises to be your Good Shepherd. You have the most high God on your side. You can trust in His leadership. Jesus was faithful to come and die so that you might have eternal life. He is faithful to lead you to heaven, and He will certainly lead you through whatever trial you are going through now.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Your God is a trustworthy Shepherd. Enter into prayer with expectancy that He will guide you perfectly in His perfect timing. Cast your cares on Him and trust Him. Allow Him to “guide you on the right paths” as you follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus — the great Shepherd of the sheep — with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen.” ~ Hebrews 13:20-21
________________
~ published by: First 15
https://www.first15.org/devotionals/the-parable-of-the-good-shepherd-2023/
•
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