As I sit here with my coffee preparing my Sunday sermon, I’ve been thinking about what it means to have a Good Shepherd in our lives. You know, in Ezekiel 34, God confronted the shepherds (overseers) of Israel for neglecting their flock (people). Instead of caring for them they were just feeding themselves, hoarding and holding back, leaving the sheep vulnerable. But God didn’t abandon His people. He promised to gather and care for them Himself, and that promise is fulfilled in Jesus when He says, “I Am The Good Shepherd” in John 10:11, 14.
Isn’t that incredible? Jesus knows each of us personally. When He calls us by name, do we take a moment to listen? I think it’s important for us to make space every day to hear His voice.
And then there’s the nourishment we get from Him. Just like a shepherd feeds his sheep, Jesus feeds us with His Word. Are we making the time to dive into Scripture every day? I know when I do, it makes a huge difference in my mental health and how I navigate my day.
Life can get tough, busy, and overwhelming, can’t it? But remember, Jesus walks with us through all of it. Are we willing to walk behind him , to follow Him, even when things are unclear? It’s about trusting Him and surrendering more to actively listen his voice and follow his leading.
His sacrifice is what unites us together as one flock. So, how can we commit more to following Him by listening to his voice? Maybe we can start by praying for guidance or carving out time each and every day, no matter what, to connect with him in his Word, where he speaks to us. Do we read just to hear him or is whenever we open our Bible slated for study time?
Let’s think about that together.
John 10:14-15 CSB
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.
Prayer
Father- your servant is here to hear you speak. Thank you for being our Good Shepherd. Help us to stop to listen for your voice and trust your guidance. May we surrender more of our life to you and commit to following you every day. In Jesus name Amen.
God bless you… go be and make disciples!
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