The Good Shepherd

I was reminded this morning about a truth we tend to forget so often, and this is that Jesus never leads us where He has not gone before us. This scripture in John 10:4 speaks of a loving and caring Shepherd, who walks ahead of His sheep, while they follow His voice.

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes tend to run ahead of the Shepherd. Sometimes He seems to be a bit slow for my liking, and other times I reckon that I can see the way ahead nice and clearly, so no need to hang back to wait for Him to go before me. Although it is not my intention to disobey Him or to go my own way, I tend to get so caught up in the busyness of life, and distracted by the things that concern me, that I don’t always pay attention to slowing down to the Shepherd’s pace, and listening for His still small voice that would say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

Actually, it is such a comforting thought that the Lord knows what we are about to face on any given day and in any given situation. If we remain in step with the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Helper, we do not need to fear what lies ahead, or lose hope for the future, because He already knows how it will all turn out. Isaiah 46:10 says, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” He sees the end of a situation right from the outset.

The wonderful thing is that God never allows me to wander off without coming after me. In Luke 15:3-7 Jesus told the parable of a lost sheep. He said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep”. I can rest assured that my Shepherd will not only go before me, but He will also come after me, should I lose my way.

Jesus truly is the Good Shepherd who cares so deeply for us, as His own. His voice is kind, and His ways with us are never harsh and controlling. On the contrary, John 10:3-4 says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out”, and then, “he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.” I am comforted to know that my Shepherd is good and knows what is best for me.

Prayer: Thank You so much, Lord, that I never need to fear the unknown, because nothing I will face is unknown to You. Forgive me for the times I tried to run ahead of You and grew impatient with Your ways and Your timing. Thank You that You are good and kind to me and that Your eyes are always on me to guide me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.