April 23

From Pastor Gary…
I am the Good Shepherd, I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10: 14-15)
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. To help us understand our need for a shepherd, it is helpful to understand the nature of sheep. Sheep are helpless creatures having no natural defense against predators. Likewise, we have no natural defense against Satan, the roaring lion, who “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 1:5).
Sheep have a herd mentality. People also tend to follow the crowd finding themselves roaming amid the temptations of this world.
Sheep are dirty animals. They have a natural oil on their wool to which dirt and debris sticks. We are soiled with the dirt and debris of sin.
Sheep need someone to provide, protect, and lead them.
Jesus is our good shepherd. The good shepherd lay down his life for his sheep. Jesus said, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). The good shepherd laid down his life for us when he was nailed to a cross, then took it up again three days later leaving the tomb empty. As a result, we have been cleansed of the dirt and debris of sin. Through faith we are the sheep of his flock. We follow Christ and not the crowd that would lead us through the spiritual dangers of this world. Jesus is our defense against the devious and cunning traps of our natural enemy, the devil. He provides our needs for this life and for eternity. Jesus truly is the Good Shepherd who provides, protects, and leads us.
Verse for today:
The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10: 3)