The good shepherd

​S- John 10:14-18 NIV

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheepand my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

O - Jesus is our one and only good shephard.  He knows us and calls us by name to follow Him.  He lays down his life so that we can be reconcilled with God.  Jesus here reveals he is not just called to the sheep in Israel but to the others outside, in fact he calls them all together in one great flock,  His flock.  God is well pleased with Jesus' work here on earth, because he lays down his life for the lost sheep, only to take it up again after his death so that he may take his place at the right hand of the father in heaven.

A - The application for me is to reaffirm that Jesus is my good shepherd.  I have gone to him and committed myself to receiving His grace due to his great sacrifice on the cross.  I follow him in love and peace as he guides me in his everlasting ways.   I turn away from sin and towards him who loves me unconditionally.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for today's devotion,  may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you shepherd me in your good way and save me from myself.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen