How many of us can say those words and really mean them? In Jesus, I have all I need.
It is so easy to become caught up in the world's ideal of more...more money...more house...more stuff. King David tells us that, as sheep, our Shepherd is all we need.
The role of the Shepherd is demanding. The Shepherd must live with his flock at all times. He must be able to understand and predict what the sheep need better than they do. He goes before them and searches out the best path for them to travel and find nourishment. He understands the threats to their health and well being. He knows how to protect and watch over them. He works tirelessly to provide for them. His entire life is his flock.
As a result, his sheep recognize and trust his voice. They will follow ONLY his voice.
As the Lord's "flock", we also have certain sheep-like tendencies:
We are often foolish and irrational. We are slow to learn. Life lessons can be painful, and if we are not careful, we can become ensnared in our poor choices. We are often stubborn and demanding. We want our own way and fool ourselves into believing that we are totally independent. Our inflated sense of self can cause us to wander off the path Jesus has chosen for us and leave us in need of rescue.
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?" (Luke 15:4)
Jesus, our Shepherd, was not only willing to search and call for us, He was willing to sacrifice His life for ours.
Listen closely.
Hear only His voice.
Follow only the path He lays out for you.
Jesus is our Shepherd - In Him, we have ALL we need.
Blessings,
Mandy
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