By Fred Van Dyke
Read: John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (v. 11)
As a wildlife biologist I often worked in remote mountain ranges. Some were used by sheep, who always had a shepherd. The shepherd lived with the sheep, traveled with the sheep, and guarded the sheep. It was his lifework.
Are there people in your life who care for you like this, whose vocation is your well-being? If so, you are fortunate. Many people have no one like this in their lives.
Jesus told his followers that he was their shepherd - more than a hired hand in the feedlot, more than an “overseer” who checks in occasionally to ensure a profit. Even more, Jesus was their good shepherd, living closely with them. “I know my own and my own know me” (v. 14).
He led them to their pastures, streams, and resting places. While they slept, he was wakeful. If danger came - the wolf, the lion, the bear - he would intervene with force, and at the risk of his own life.
Jesus has an intimate relationship with his sheep - with us, those who follow him. His communication with his flock is personal. He didn’t come to just give us some information that would bring us to heaven. He, the shepherd, must be with us to guide us on our journey.
Jesus is not physically present with us today, but he’s present with us through the Holy Spirit and through his church, the testimony and care of other believers, for us to know him and to be with him.
As you pray, ask Jesus to be your shepherd. Request his intimacy and personal guidance. His vocation is your salvation.
—————
Fred Van Dyke is a conservation biologist dedicated to the care for God’s creation. He is also the author of two books on faith and environmental stewardship.
Read: John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (v. 11)
As a wildlife biologist I often worked in remote mountain ranges. Some were used by sheep, who always had a shepherd. The shepherd lived with the sheep, traveled with the sheep, and guarded the sheep. It was his lifework.
Are there people in your life who care for you like this, whose vocation is your well-being? If so, you are fortunate. Many people have no one like this in their lives.
Jesus told his followers that he was their shepherd - more than a hired hand in the feedlot, more than an “overseer” who checks in occasionally to ensure a profit. Even more, Jesus was their good shepherd, living closely with them. “I know my own and my own know me” (v. 14).
He led them to their pastures, streams, and resting places. While they slept, he was wakeful. If danger came - the wolf, the lion, the bear - he would intervene with force, and at the risk of his own life.
Jesus has an intimate relationship with his sheep - with us, those who follow him. His communication with his flock is personal. He didn’t come to just give us some information that would bring us to heaven. He, the shepherd, must be with us to guide us on our journey.
Jesus is not physically present with us today, but he’s present with us through the Holy Spirit and through his church, the testimony and care of other believers, for us to know him and to be with him.
As you pray, ask Jesus to be your shepherd. Request his intimacy and personal guidance. His vocation is your salvation.
—————
Fred Van Dyke is a conservation biologist dedicated to the care for God’s creation. He is also the author of two books on faith and environmental stewardship.
