Are You A Sheep Of The Shepherd

Today, the Good Shepherd has another message for His sheep. He says, “I know you’re weak. I know you’re afraid to walk through that valley. I know it’s scary. But I want you to know something. I am your Shepherd. I have died for you. But now I am alive! I have risen from the dead, and I will give you eternal life, and you shall never perish; no one can snatch you out of my hand. My Father, who has given you to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch you out of my Father’s hand.” The strength of the sheep is not in their ability to hear or follow - but in the voice and leadership and the powerful hands of the Shepherd. Yes, we’re weak. Yes, we don’t follow as well as we should. Yet Jesus says to us, “come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest! I’ll lead you beside springs of living water!” That’s where He wants us to find our comfort.

Almost every household in America goes through a stage of wanting an animal. So they go to the pet store and look for a dog, a cat, a fish, a parrot, or if you’re real creative - a rock. I’ve heard of some real strange animals being pets - one guy had a tiger in his apartment. Another family has a buffalo that lives with them. But I’ve never heard of anyone having a pet sheep. Sheep are too dumb, too messy, and too scared. Since Jesus is the Shepherd - he doesn’t want arrogant lions who think they can make it through as kings of the jungle. He doesn’t want stubborn donkeys to try and trod their way through the forest. He likes sheep - dumb and stupid sheep - who are willing to listen and follow wherever he tells to go. Even though they’re dumb and scared and need guidance, do you want to be a sheep? Do you consider yourself one of Jesus’ little lambs? Ask yourself - Do you like to listen to the Word? Are you willing to follow your Lord? Most importantly, do you believe that Jesus - the Good Shepherd - laid down His life for you? Do you believe that in spite of your weakness and sins that Jesus is holding on to you? Whether you see yourself as a sheep or not, Jesus declares to you through faith in Him that you are His precious sheep - that He will never let go of. You are precious in his sight - so precious that He’ll never let go of you - His precious little lambs. Amen.