Text: John 10:11-18, Jeremiah 10:20-21, Psalm 23:1-6
This is part of a 10-day series on the person of Christ in the 2016 Lent study.
After ten long years of infertility, I learned I was pregnant with our son.
The day I found out, I began praying for him, talking to him, and reading to him while he was in my womb. He was born on a beautiful May morning, and I was over-the-moon excited to see him. What I did not expect was the undeniable awe I would experience that first time when the sound of my voice turned his head and our eyes locked. He knew my voice.
As we got to know each other, I learned his voice too—his cries for hunger and pain, discomfort and contentment. I could then interact with him intentionally, attending to each cry and coo. My heart was flooded with love, and I knew without a doubt that I would lay down my life for this precious bundle of joy if I had to.
God knew this parental love firsthand with Jesus (Matthew 3:17). He also gave us a tangible picture of what love, care, guidance, and protection look like in the image of a Shepherd taking care of His flock.
“I am the good shepherd, I know My own sheep, and they know Me, as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father.”
-John 10:14-15
This verse paints a beautiful image of the relational significance between the Father and the Son, and between the Shepherd and His flock. It is a relationship of complete dependence, one begun by relying upon the sound of the Shepherd’s voice. A sheep need only follow His voice and stay in His presence to be in a place that’s safe where it can thrive.
It is the same with us and Jesus.
Unfortunately, the voices of everyday life compete for our attention and can easily drown out the sound of the Good Shepherd’s voice. The voices of false shepherds speak in smooth, deceitful tones for self-gain and self-promotion. They care little about the safety and wellbeing of their sheep. When danger comes, these heartless shepherds will flee, protecting and preserving themselves over their sheep. And should one of their flock become sick or somehow undesirable, it will be cast out or altogether forgotten (John 10:12-13). Their flock will lose their way (Jeremiah 10:21).
When we trust and follow any other voice but the Good Shepherd’s, we’re easily led astray to be left utterly alone, rejected and dejected. But do not be discouraged: even if you’ve been taken advantage of in the past by deceitful shepherds, there is good news because of Jesus.
Jesus is the long-awaited, true Good Shepherd, who does not lose sight of His sheep (Ezekiel 34). He knows the heart and condition of each one in His flock. He searches for them and inspects them, just to make sure there is no disease within them (Psalm 139:23-24).
He heals the sick, injured, and brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). He protects them against danger, goes after those who wander away, and pursues those who are lost (Matthew 18:12-14). Above all, the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His flock, once and forever, to rescue them from the jaws of deceit and captivity, so that not even one would perish (John 10:11, 3:16). He did that for me, for you.
This is our Jesus, the Good Shepherd of our souls. He hears each beat and cry of our hearts, and He knows exactly what we need.
Do you know His voice?
I don’t know what you’re facing right now, but the Good Shepherd knows. His voice is gentle, and soothing, leading each of one us to quiet waters where He waits to revive us. He protects, comforts us, and guides us along the right path—even when we go through the darkest of valleys. His goodness and faithful love pursue us each and every day of our lives (Psalm 23).
“My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.”
-John 10:27
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65 thoughts on "I am the Good Shepherd"
Lately, I have been hearing may sermons on discernment, and I know that God is speaking to me. Funny how God talks to us by putting the same scriptures in front of us repeatedly by different sources, or having a sermon play on the radio right as you step in your car, with exactly what you needed to hear–that happened to me yesterday. Love me some Charles Stanley.
I cherish when God speaks to me. I once heard a testimony on the radio of a lady that once felt as though when she was praying to God, she was shouting into outer space, hoping He’d hear her, but now she feels like she has His ear, and He is listening to her every prayer. I’m not going to lie, at times, I too, feel like I am shouting into outer space, hoping He’ll hear my cry. The voices of every day life that compete for our attention aren’t the only voices we have to worry about. “You haven’t been a great wife lately, Ashley, in fact, you’ve been nothing short of self-centered altogether. You don’t think before you speak. You want to have your own agenda, and take control over your own life. You aren’t what you say, you are how you act, and your actions reveal your true, rotten character.” This voice–the voice of the devil–we have to watch out for too. Yes, I have been guilty lately of all the above, however, my actions do not define me. Who GOD SAYS I AM defines me, and according to Him, I am righteous, I am forgiven, I am strong, and I am growing. He has forgiven me for my shortcomings. He STILL LOVES ME. These things, I have to remember. Because I am not shouting into thin air when I pray to God. He hears my cries.
Love this – and you taking the time to write this revealed the same truths God has spoken to me through other mediums.
So thankful for our Good Shepherd!!
After a tumultuous year, a separation, a near divorce, and some anxiety inducing events at the hand of a “friend” I cling to the thought of Jesus as my Good Shepherd. I’m really working on quieting my spirit from all the noise so I can be calm and hear His gentle call.
These are words I needed to hear today. The Lord is my Shepard, he leads me, provides for me, cares for me. I am one of his beloved, he knows my innermost being. I dwell in His house all the days of my life.
My husband and I are in the thick of buying our first home. In our society, this can be so overwhelming. I’ve found myself anxious and worried about so many trivial things these past few weeks. But tonight I find peace. Rest. Comfort. The Lord is my Shepard, nothing will I fear. I will not be anxious or worried about anything. Even as He cares for the lilies and the ravens, how much more does he care for us? He has never failed us. And He will lead us home.
This was such an unbelievably perfect reading for me today. As I struggle with hormones, which leave me feeling cut off from God, frustrated and utterly insane, Psalm 23 is exactly the truth my soul needed reminding of. He knows exactly what we need, and He never changes no matter how we feel. What a great God!
My mother is dying. I needed today and feel His comfort. Thank you. You
He cares about you! And will meet you in your darkest hour.
As I’m am processing my recently ended relationship, this is just what I needed today! So comforting.
This is so empowering and encouraging today. Just what I needed to hear. It’s such a beautiful picture to remember that God is our Shepherd! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for joining us, Becca! We love having you here!
xoxo-Kaitlin
How amazing that with God, the Good Shepherd, we simply just need to stay in His presence and we can move from a place of striving (on our own) to a place of thriving. Praying for all of you facing infertility today.. May you find your peace in the Lord, that He will slow you to thrive in your season of preparing to become a parent. Amen!
I memorized Psalm 23 as a child, but I feel I am only coming to fully understand its meaning as an adult. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (v.1) Reciting these words growing up often left me confounded. What did it even mean to “not want” or to “lack nothing?” My mind could not fathom a state of lack or not wanting at that time. But now, as I read these words, their meaning settles deep within my soul. In the Lord, I have all that I need. I do not want or lack because He is my Shepherd. Because He guides me, protects me, loves me. Reflecting on this Psalm today, during a season where I feel life has been on pause, fills me with hope. I do not know what is coming next, but I do know God is with me. I know that in this life, I will always face the unknown future. And when I feel alone and disconnected, He is near. He is my Shepherd through all of this life. Because the truth is, I’ve been fighting this ‘pause.’ But maybe this pause is just what I needed. To allow my heart to catch up to my reality. To realize how utterly dependent I am on Him.
For me, the question becomes, do I hear His voice? He is calling. He is leading. He goes ahead of me. Do I hear Him? Can I quiet the noise cluttering my mind, so that I can hear His gentle whispers? Can I stop the racing of my anxious heart, so that He can fill me with His peace that surpasses all understanding? Can I posture myself to hear? To listen?
I believe He is always speaking, guiding, leading me. But do I hear? I want to hear. I want to listen today. And I want to do. To do whatever He calls me to do. To go wherever He leads me to go. To follow Him first, before the noise leads me astray. I remind myself to listen. Again and again. Just sit and listen in His presence. He is my good Shepherd. I have all that I need.
I love the truth of what God’s voice is versus the world’s. Relying on true, life-giving words from God instead of the voices that seek to ultimately destroy — such a beautiful reminder for a Monday!
Thanks for this sweet reminder, Reeve! We love having you in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thanks Jesus for being the only thing my soul needs and more. During Lent I initially wanted to fast but I failed :(. While praying (and complaining for my lack of self control) I felt in my spirit to add more time with Jesus in my daily life. What? I answered. I don’t have time. I am enrolled full time in a Master Degree, and I lead the welcome team at my church. The little extra time I have is to take care of my husband and house. Well… My busy schedule honestly made me miserable and exhausted. Always reading books, writing papers, meetings to coordinate homework groups and the list goes on and on..so I gave up and decided to give it a try.. Why? Because I was miserable…. So I started to seek God (out of desperation and with no other option- I know, shame on me) every morning, then I added another time after lunch, days later I meet him once again during the afternoon and before I knew it, I have been meeting my Lord four times a day and I want more!!!!! He is all I needed it!!! This was not my idea at all, and God knows it, but the results of being in his presence most of the time in my day Has been surreal!!!!!!! I am free from a compulsive disorder that was hunting me for the last two years, praise God!!!!! I feel PEACE! I feel refreshed, renewed in my spirit and empowered!!! All my activities are finished in a matter of minutes. My concentration is sharper, It became easier to do homework. I Got “A”s in all my tests so far and if that is not enough I started to go to the gym again. What???? I was not planing on writing this but He deserves the glory of all the victories I had experienced so far. He is my shepherd and if we hear his voice and stay in his presence talking to him but also listening to what he has to say we will face every day aligned with his desires and guidance!
Amen. So excited for you!!! What a great testimony.
I am so empowered by your testimony; what an incredible revelation of God’s power to alter our lives an makes them so much better than we thought they could be! I am curious- what did spending time with God look like in your life? I am similarly enrolled in full-time Honours, work three jobs and volunteer in various causes but i really feel like God is calling me to take time to really sit and just be still with Him. I’m a but at a loss of how to get started, though, as ‘sitting and stopping’ seemed to have vanished from my skill set over the years of study and work. Your testimony really inspired me so I would love to hear any advice you might have for me so i can make God a bigger part of my day. Thanks so much!
Hi Jessica, thanks for your honesty and curiosity. I know that we are all different and God moves in different ways but here is what I did and I hope it helps a little. I would say that the main strategy for me was: BOMBARD YOURSELF WITH THE WORD OF GOD. Memorize it, pray it over your life, listen to it, sing it, study it… eventually you will eat its fruits. He is faithful!!. Here is a lonnnnnnng list that the things I decided to add to my schedule… My devocional and bedtime are always the same… my lunch time and afternoon varies depending of what I am facing during the day…it’s a lot so please bear with me.
DEVOCIONAL:
• I meet God at the same place (no electronics) and time every day. It helped me to create discipline. Make it sacred.
• I read the bible verses that She Reads Truth presents in their devotional :), pray to the Holy Spirit for his teaching and read the verses over and over and OVER again until I felt God is pointing out something specific to dig in. At the beginning I felt lost so I decided to concentrate in the qualities of Jesus.
• I practice SILENCE. Because I was so busy and anxious my mind wondered a lot at the beginning so I decided to be quiet for three minutes (using an alarm clock). In quietness, I confessed my sins daily. I share my frustrations or whatever God puts in my heart in that moment. The idea of silence is to listen to the Spirit. He knows what we need to do more than ourselves. So I open my heart and share what comes to my mind.
LUNCH
• I listen to a 25- 30 minute sermon of some of my favorite preachers I try to seek a topic related to what God spoke to my heart in the morning. That way I can deepen my understanding of the verse.
• Sometimes I use my lunch time to pray again, I PRAY THE WORD OF GOD over me, my family, my friends. It is our sword! I will do it in my office without interruptions for maybe 10 -20 minutes. At the beginning this prayer time was mainly to intercede for me that God will increase my desire to put Him first. Now, this prayer time is more to enjoy His beautiful presence. I pray the psalms to exalt Him aswell. Depends on what I feel like that day.
AFTERNOON:
• Break from homework: Listen to worship songs or the same sermon or another.
• Fighter verse app: A friend gave me this app. It is awesome. It helps to memorize verses. They have songs with the verses that I like to listen because that way I memorize them better.
BEDTIME:
• At the beginning I read one chapter of a Christian book I bought about prayer: Fervent Prayer by Priscila Shirer
• Now, I read again the bible verse from my devotional
Then I go to bed praying that God will give me the strength to seek him again next day.
ALL OF THIS DONE WITH… FAITH!!!
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who COMES to God MUST BELIEVE that He is and that HE IS REWARDER of those WHO SEEK Him. Hebrews 11:6
At the beginning was very hard but I hold on to this promise… He will show up and He will reward your desire for more of Him. God bless you!!!
This is so awesome! Thank you for your testimony which is so encouraging… And convicting! Blessings to you!
I am glad this testimony inspires you! He is faithful! His word is real! “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Mathew 6:33
When I started I was tired. At the beginning it felt kind of the same, I was dried, hungry, thirsty. I complained again to God for not seeing immediate changes in my feelings, or thoughts( instant gratification hello?) In his mercy he convicted me of just “showing up” and not BELIEVING and what he said to me. He is the covenant keeper, the bread of my life and I needed to believe that. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and STILL YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME.” We can come to Him and read pages and pages of the Bible but still consciously or unconsciously decide not to believe what He says, or what he offers, or what he promises us. God bless you!
A touching testimony to the faithfulness of God and the peace He gives His flock! Thanks for sharing
Happy Monday, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thankyou for this reminder. There are so many voices we CAN listen to: fear, condemnation, comparison…But “[a] sheep need only follow His voice and stay in His presence to be in a place that’s safe where it can thrive.” I love it!
I connected with that image of a newborn baby swivelling his head toward his mother’s voice. I remember marvelling at this when my own babies were born and tested it out from various places around the room. No matter where I stood, my babies turned their heads in my direction when I spoke to them. This image caused me to think about my own attentiveness to Christ’s voice. Sadly, I do not always snap my head in His direction when He speaks, or even listen to the point of searching for His voice. Clearly this is something that I need to improve upon. Dear Father, help me to recognize the conflicting voices in my life and filter them out so that I may clearly hear Your voice, and only Your voice. Amen.
My husband is about to leave for a deployment, and it is so good to know that God will be my Shepherd and my comfort during these long months.
Will put you on my prayer list, Kelley. My daughters boyfriend is also in the military and deploys frequently. So thankful for the fellowship of believers that rally in support!
Praying for you and your family, sweet Kellee. May God cover you in His peace and presence.
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thank you for sharing! We are on year #4 of infertility so I love reading and hearing your testimony of God’s faithfulness!
http://www.in-due-time.com
Just read your “Letter to Your Furture Mom self” and it was the encouragement that I needed today. My husband and I are also desperately wanting to have a baby but have been unable to conceive. I will be praying for you
When we are weak, He is our strong, able, omnipotent Shepherd. I’m talking about weakness and how Jesus likes to flip things upside down over at:
https://wordpress.com/post/awordthatmatters.wordpress.com/725
Would you join me, SRT sisters? All my love and blessings to each of you!
My husband and I who were not walking in the faith, struggled with infertility for many years. We thought we could control the situation and make things work. However, those years were filled with much grief and pain not to mention it almost destroyed our marriage. I often think about the lives we now live and how much easier it would have been to give it all to God. If we would have just listened to the Shepards voice and followed him…. Don’t get me wrong infertility is tough, but being Jesus followers gives you a peace. Knowing you can fall in his arms and find comfort brings a sense of calm to struggles and challenges. The good news is that after many tears and two rounds of IVF we were blessed with a set of twins. God is so GOOD we just didn’t know it then!!!
Praying that Ethan would be brought home safely and that the family would be filled with peace during the search. M
Today’s reading especially hits home today. Yesterday, my friend’s brother went missing. I know that our Good Shepherd is with Ethan, and with his family as they walk through this dark valley. If you could join me in prayer for his safe return, that would be amazing.
Praying right now that God would protect Ethan and guide others to where he is. Praying for the family to feel God’s loving presence in the search. My heart breaks for them as they wait
Definitely standing in prayer with you and the family!
Praying for Ethan’s protection and safe return. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Praying for Ethan’s safe return home.
father, I ask for your hand on Ethan as well as the family. You know all things and nothing is hidden from you so I ask for your best results and protection, as well as his swift return, thank you Jesus,
Praying Ethan will hear the voice of his shepherd and all involved will turn to listen.
Thank you ladies for your prayers. We received word that Ethan has passed away. Praying that our Good Shepherd continues to hold the family close during this tragic time.
Oh Jenny, I’m so sorry. Prayers of comfort and strength for you all
Sorry to hear that. May God comfort you all in this difficult time!
This little lamb is so blessed by the Good Shepherd and by your words today, Debbie! Great start to the day
I love love the picture this creates of our Fathers love for us all!
Question though you have a reference of (Ezekiel 34), curious as to what chapter and verse you meant to put? It is after the sentence: “Jesus is the long-awaited, true Good Shepherd, who does not lose sight of His sheep”. Thank you for your devotionals!
I´ll let Debbie answer that for herself, but that whole chapter is awesome… verses 11-16 are particularly relevant to today´s reading.
joy.
Phenomenal! Thanks Missycm for highlighting those verses! It’s amazing how consistent and true our God is throughout history-from OT to the NT.
I needed to hear these words today: to be reminded that the Shepherd is leading, that He knows where He is going, that He is guiding us along that path, that He holds us close to Him as we go through the deep dark valleys. He is ever present and always in control, and calls us to follow Him. He does not give up on us, even when we’ve given up on ourselves; and He loves us unconditionally, all the time, without question. He is so good.
Becky – thank you. Yesterday driving home from church I was alone in the car crying out to God out loud. “Do you see me?” I struggle with feeling invisible and something that happened in Bible Study group had brought that up to the surface. “I just just need to you that YOU SEE ME.” And then this morning I opened up my SRT book and saw the scripture was Psalm 23 – very familiar to all us. Still, it’s been a while since I’ve read through it. And then I read your comment. And I felt God whispering in my ear, “Yes, I see you. I am ever present. I am making your path straight. ” Thank you, Becky. And thank you SRT.
Patti, scrolling thru these comments I happen to see your bold letters and was immediately taken back to something at church yesterday. During the welcome our youth minister felt led to share the story of Abraham and Hagar. He described the story but what he really wanted to point out was Genesis 16:13 “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me, ” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” He reminded us that no matter what we are going thru that He is the God who sees. I couldn’t not comment and share this with you! Hope you have a blessed day and feel His presence.
I’m so thankful for His care over me. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He knows and is ready for what lies ahead. I want to rest in the fact that He knows and trust that He is walking with me or leading me to still waters.
Did you know sheep are really stupid? They are so easily led astray that a Shepherd has to work pretty hard to keep them going in the right direction and safe from harm. Sometimes in this crazy life of mine I feel like a stupid sheep-pulled and pushed, always running after the next shiny thing but never finding fulfillment here. But thankfully I have a faithful and good Shepherd who knows my stupidity, loves me anyway, and not only walks beside me but His spirit actually lives in me! Now that is good news for a Monday morning!
ditto to the stupid sheep feeling! grateful for a faithful father x
I love Psalm 23! I love that He promises us that because He is our Shepherd we lack nothing. When I’m tired and weary, He finds me a place to rest. When things get chaotic and crazy (I teach high school which is like chaos on crack) He quiets my soul with peace. He renews me when I’m discouraged and I can trust Him to always lead me along the right path. It may lead through the darkest valley, but I don’t have to be afraid because He is right there with me. He sits me at a table and feeds me in front of my enemies. They have to watch as God anoints me before I go to battle with them. That just leaves me speechless. My cup overflows says it all. As His child I know that His goodness and faithful love pursues me. It doesn’t just come along with me for the ride – His goodness and faithful love pursues me. And ultimately I will dwell in His house forever. I am overwhelmed with the depth of God’s love for His children.
Have a blessed Monday, fellow sheep!
I loved your comment about God quieting your soul during chaos. I work as a drug and alcohol counselor and I am sure that without setting time aside in the morning to read these posts and pray, I would end the day in tears, every day! Thanks be to God for his peace that surpasses all understanding!
Amen!
Love how Carly said He doesn’t abandon us when the wolf comes! And He doesn’t abandon us or shrug us off when we stray on our own. A sheep is completely lost without its shepherd. I have read A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller so many times. You should grab that little paperback! So many good takeaways on the habits of a sheep and its dependency on the shepherd. Even better than that is the walk through the 23rd Psalm from a real shepherd’s view. What an amazing God. ♥
Couldn’t live without Him !
Amen! ♥
Absolutely couldn’t! :)
It’s such a comfort to remember that Jesus is our good shepherd- that he calls us by name, that he doesn’t abandon us when a wolf comes but he stays to protect us and save us, that he gives us strength and guides us and leads us to places of rest, that his love and goodness pursue us.
Praying for focus on his voice today instead of the many other voices that would draw my attention away from him.
How restoring to my soul these passages are this morning!.. “His voice is gentle, and soothing, leading each of one us to quiet waters where He waits to revive us” . Jesus has been reviving me lately, we’ve been struggling to conceive, however , I know my shepherds voice and this brings me so much comfort to know that he is with me always. Thank you Jesus that you chose to lay your life down so that we may be brought into your flock.
Nicola, my son and precious daughter-in-law have a story similar to Debbie’s. They did an interview on their infertility struggle that might be a blessing to you. https://vimeo.com/album/2989095/video/101128729 And then part two can be found here http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2015/08/30/for-this-child-we-prayed-rachel-and-kyles-miracle/ Blessings to you ♥
Thank you x