DEVOTION// Jesus the good shepherd

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14).

The Good Shepherd...

The whole point of Jesus calling himself a shepherd and specifically “the good shepherd” is to assure us that he loves and cares for us completely.

Recall what we saw and celebrated over the last month.  We reviewed how Jesus was willingly ridiculed and killed to save us his sheep.  He did that without complaining or expecting anything in return.  Three weeks ago today we celebrated Easter assuring us that he has defeated any enemy or problem which we might face or have to deal with.

Meets our needs...

There is a Bible passage which many Christians today would describe as one of their favorites which very clearly puts the care of the Good Shepherd in terms which we would use today.  Look at these words of Philippians 4:19, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Look carefully at what that verse says.  It doesn’t say that Jesus is our own personal valet who will give us everything we want.  He promises us that he will give us everything we need.  He further states that this is done in the context of his riches shown in the glory of Jesus. That means that Jesus will first and foremost take care of our spiritual needs, but will also supply everything we need physically to live.

Especially our spiritual needs

So often we get to thinking that if my physical needs are taken care of, that will make my life better and then I can worry about my spiritual life as I have time.  That is exactly the reason that God constantly reminds us of the primary importance of our spiritual life and the promise that he will take care of our physical needs as we trust in him.

We may not readily relate to the fact that we are sheep of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.  We can however appreciate, understand and rely on his loving care for us, no matter what.

Source: Rev. Joel Gaertner wrote this devotion. He is The Lutheran Home Association Vice President of Ministry and National Director of Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM). Read his article in its entirety by tapping here to visit Pastor Gaertner's blog site.