Living By Faith: Just Sheep - Monday Morning Summer Devotion Series - Week 6
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The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.
John 10: 3-4
Timid, fearful, easily panicked, directionless. These are words that describe sheep, but I feel like these are words that describe me lately, too. I have been a dumb sheep. I now fully understand why God calls us sheep. It is by no means a compliment.
If you watch the news or go to the store, you feel the fear, panic, and uncertainty in the world. Death is the driving force here. We panic like sheep when we hear the word death.
While I, too often, act like a sheep, it helps me to remember I am God’s sheep. And like a good shepherd, He will provide for me and guide me. He promises none of His sheep will be lost. We know Jesus’ voice. We are His sheep, and He will lead us out of trouble. Just as David said in Psalm 23:1-3, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me, He refreshes my soul, and He guides me. We can take comfort in these words.
We may be sheep, but we have a good shepherd. But what about the sheep who don't? They are roaming aimlessly; they panic at death because, to them, death is the end. These lost sheep are very important to Jesus. This is the perfect time to tell others about our shepherd. We know the truth; we do not fear death. Jesus told Peter to care for His sheep, and we are called to do the same.
Dear Jesus, you laid down your life for me. Now, help me to take care of your lost sheep, to share with them the calm I have when you, my shepherd, are leading me. Help me to share, especially with the many Native Americans who need your love, that we do not need to fear death, because death is not the end. Lord, give me wisdom and strength. Amen.
Deon Prue
Lawrence, Kansas