FEBRUARY 3, John 10:4

There are some outstanding documentaries on television and some focus on wildlife. Others may show how people take care of farm animals. If you have seen documentaries on how a shepherd guides his sheep, you would know that the shepherd calls out to his sheep to gather them. There may be hundreds of sheep in his flock. But the sheep recognise only the shepherd’s voice and will follow only him.

When shepherds find good grazing ground, they may meet other shepherds with other flocks. So what can happen is the gathering of a few shepherds with their different flocks at a nice location. The sheep enjoy the pasture; the shepherds enjoy the time relaxing and chatting with each other.

When night approaches and it is time to leave the grazing area for the safety of the sheep, the shepherds will each call out to their sheep. Do you think the sheep will get confused and follow the wrong shepherd? Amazingly, not! The sheep will recognise the distinct call of the different shepherds.

Then they will see their shepherd leading them in front! What a soothing sight that must be – to see the one who will guard and guide them in front. Likewise, our Shepherd the Lord Jesus goes before us. That does not mean we can literally see Jesus walking in front of us. What that means is Jesus will lead us in how we should live our lives, in how we should react to difficult times.

What about you, dear reader? How well do you know Jesus, your Heavenly Shepherd? Do you let Him lead you?

Thought: I have Jesus as my leader and guide!

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, help me to know You and Your Holy Word. Please be my Shepherd and continue to lead and guide me. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.