Your Daily Devotional for July 1, 2007

 

July 1,  2007

 

 

Our Good Shepherd

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep."

 

John 10:11-15

 

 

Many times in the Bible, God refers to believers as sheep, and He describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who watches over the sheep. Sometimes we can act like sheep and ignore the dangers of the world. Yet Christ is there to guide and protect us as we seek to live for Him.

 

It is interesting that God compares us to sheep—one of the dumbest animals. Sheep do not care about their surroundings or the dangers that lay wait for them. They only care about the grass and water that are before them. It is the shepherd's job to provide green pastures and clean water for them. He also provides protection for them as they graze.

 

The sheep don't need to worry about what they will eat, but simply follow the shepherd's guidance for provision. Even so, we as God's children should not worry about our earthly provision. We must trust God to provide for us, and we must follow His leading.

 

Oftentimes, a sheep will stray away from the flock and go his own way. Because the shepherd loves the sheep, he will seek after the sheep and will bring the sheep back. The shepherd may have to punish the sheep so he will learn, but it is always out of love and care for the sheep.

 

When we stray from God's guidance, He may have to use a trial or difficulty to bring us back, but we must never doubt God's love for us. God only seeks to draw us back to Him because He loves us and He doesn't want us to get hurt. It would be foolish for the sheep to resist the shepherd or fight him, for the shepherd desires to bring the sheep back to the good grass and water. Even so, we must not resist when God calls us back to Him through a trial. God only has our best interest in mind and He desires to bring us back into fellowship with Him.

 

The shepherd also provides protection for the sheep. He guards against any wild beasts that desire to harm the sheep. The sheep do not worry about what is around them; they know the shepherd is watching out for them. We must not worry about what the future may hold for us, but we must depend upon the Shepherd for our protection.

 

Just like sheep, we can many times fail to depend on Christ for provision, guidance, and protection. God loves us and wants to help us as we live for Him. We must not fight Him or stray away from His fold, but we must look to Him to care for us each day.

 

Are you relying on God as you live for Him? The sheep let the shepherd take full control of their safety and well-being. Let Christ have control of your life today and trust Him to guide and protect you as you live for Him.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Job 20-21 • Acts 10:24-48

 

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