Walking Through Ephesians
“The Lord is My Shepherd”
Categories: A Month with JesusThe Lord is My Shepherd - John 10
There’s a well known verse in this chapter. It’s worth knowing. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Abundant life. Life to its fullest. We may be tempted to think of Heaven when we hear of that abundant life – and it truly will be abundant in glory. However I believe the abundant life Jesus offers is not something to come, but something that has come – it can be claimed and lived today.
Sometimes life here doesn’t feel like abundant life. Part of the reason for this is due to the enemies that threaten us. Look in this chapter, there are three listed here: the thief (v. 8), the wolf (v. 12), and the hireling (v. 12). They come to steal, kill and destroy. The hireling is uncommitted to the best interest of the sheep.
Compare these with Jesus – our door (v. 7) access to the abundant life; our good shepherd (v. 11), who leads, protects, feeds, and tend for the sheep; our Savior (v. 17-18) who lays down His life for the sheep.
Do you hear the voice of the Shepherd? Do you believe that there is victory to be found/claimed today? Do you believe He is leading your life to the green pastures, to the sill waters? Do you believe He will care for you and protect you from harm?
No, abundant life is not pain-free life. It is not a life free from struggle and strife. What it is, is a life in the presence of a good shepherd who is leading us to where we need to be. Sometimes the shepherds lead his sheep through the valley of the shadow of death. There are times God’s people wander through the wilderness. But if the shepherd is with us, there’s no need to fear. This shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. He has put them before himself. A shepherd with that much love and devotion deserves my allegiance. Jesus said in v. 27 they are known by Him, and follow Him. They are His sheep, and He is their shepherd.
Here’s a thought for today: read Psalm 23, and then reread John 10:1-18 – picture it in your mind. Then ask, “Am I listening to this shepherd?” Is Jesus my shepherd? Am I following Him?
Today’s prayer: Psalm 23. Pray it. Embrace it. Mean it. “The Lord is MY shepherd…”
