Monday, May 4, 2009
John 10:14, 18 "I am the good shepherd. . . . and I lay down My life for the sheep. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."
THE TRUE SHEPHERD
They don't call themselves shepherds. Not usually. But they say to us, "Listen to what I say. I can give you security." "Buy this." "Vote for me." "Believe what I say." "Do things my way." Politicians, salesmen, religious leaders, TV personalities, entertainers. Shepherds all. "Follow me," they say.
But in the cacophony of voices only One is utterly dependable. Only One can keep His every promise without fault or failing. Jesus is the true Shepherd. No other leader ever has laid down His life for the whole world. No other has come back from the grave to certify the truth of His every word.
The voice of the one true Shepherd is the voice of the Conqueror of death. In this Shepherd's care we are utterly safe. He promises to guard and protect us against any and every foe. He promises to keep us safe -- not so safe we never die but safe even when we die!
Jesus our great Good Shepherd keeps us safe in life and in death. This is our confidence -- but it is a confidence not of our making but of His. The promises of the risen Christ have claimed our hearts.
Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep,
Who thy Father's flock dost keep,
Safe we wake and safe we sleep;
Guarded still by thee.
