My Shepherd

Jesus Christ is called the Good Shepherd. He calls after His sheep by name and when they come unto Him, He will open the door for them to return safely home. He does so much for us. John chapter 10 describes a lot of what He does for us. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." (vs 14-15). It amazes me how He states so simply how He would lay down His life for us - for those of us who follow Him. He knows us each individually by name, and He calls out to us so that we can be enlivened through His life.

For the past few weeks I've been having a hard time with some thorns from my past. It has been so helpful for me to know that He knows me, and He wants to be my shepherd so He can lead me to safety. It is my choice to follow Him and to come and knock on His door. I have the assurance that when I knock He will open it. But what is behind His door? Safety, peace, love, joy? I believe so. It doesn't completely take away the sorrow or suffering or trial, but it does make it possible for us to continue on and keep going. I know that because I have often felt His strength helping me to continue onward when I felt I didn't have any means or ability to do so. We can not do it alone.

Just as a sheep would wonder without any guidance, we are the same and Christ is our guide. As a shepherd, He does not push us or prod us to do His will or even to go His way. He simply leads us and shows us where to go to find joy. And then it is our experience to choose which way we will go. And He will always be there to help us - even if we choose to stray from the path. Isn't it He who spoke of leaving the 99 sheep to find the 1 who has left? He is our perfect example and will always come seeking for us. This brings me comfort, and gives me strength to seek for Him. As our Shepherd, He will always be there for us.