BE WITH CHRIST

John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
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In present times, maybe as in old, a dog is called man’s best friend. I still remember my dog, Tootsie, who would wag his tail when she hears my voice. Moreover, she would bark once she hears uncommon sounds or voice. She knows how and when to protect herself and of course, us.

A sheep is no different from a dog. The sheep follows his master’s voice, “because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers”. And as such, we all are sheeps and Jesus is our good shepherd. Like a good shepherd, he “lays down his life for the sheep”. He came to protect us by giving his life for us. He did this so that we might enjoy life to its fullest and have the hope of living forever.

When we got lost, He would simply call us to return back to the sheepfold. Some of us may not hear Him the first time. But He would constantly call us, knowing that one day, we would heed that call. And to hear that call, use not our ears, but our hearts. He knocks at our hearts, so we may feel His love and know Him more. None of us is good enough to merit God's favor; only Jesus Christ is. We, then, had better make our way to Him! And this is precisely what He invites us to do – “That one who believingly abandons himself to me and to my care, I will take him and keep him forever”.

Jesus' claim to be the "Good Shepherd" is a well-supported one. He proved it very well. He died for His sheeps so we may be saved. And for those of us who are trusting in Him for salvation, He continues to prove it every day with satisfying tokens of His love.

Almighty Father, give me new strength from the courage of Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. He is our Good Shepherd. Let me hear the sound of His voice, lead my steps in the path He has shown, that I may receive His help and enjoy the light of Your presence forever.

“Your goodness fails me never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise
Within Your house forever.”

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.