A Sheep Knows Its Shepherd
- Resting In The Finished Work Of Jesus
Written by Eileen R. Jacobs
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me;” - John 10:27a
I finally got around to downloading our pictures from the local county fair onto my computer from my camera, after being a month behind. It was fun reliving the crazy time we had riding lightening-fast rides and visiting all of the animals in the livestock barns with all of their special awards and ribbons. Unfortunately, we did not get to pet very many animals during this year. That was sad!
As it turns out though, while we were passing through the sheep barn, one of the young 4-H kids was walking his sheep out to the exercise pen. He saw me trying to take a picture of his sheep and asked us if we'd like to get into the picture with his sheep. Since I relate well to sheep, (being one myself, of course), I couldn't resist the offer to pet the cuddly creature and pose for a picture too.
The boy handed me the leash and my kids and I had a great time making a new friend. The sheep was pleased to receive every ounce of attention we were willing to give to it. I found it interesting though, that when the boy walked away from us to get in a perfect position to take our picture, the sheep was actively watching him and wanted to follow him. The sheep finally settled and sat still long enough for a great picture.
As soon as the picture was taken, I suddenly stood up to receive my camera back and absent-mindedly dropped the sheep leash on the ground and walked toward the boy. Thankfully, I immediately regained consciousness and picked back up the leash. Ugggghhhhh! How could I have been so careless? What if the sheep had bolted? Oh my... visions of animal-on-the-loose in the sheep barn suddenly flashed into my mind. I couldn't believe I had been so careless to let go of his leash. I was super grateful and also amazed that the sheep waited patiently for the boy to come to him and calmly kept his shepherd in view.
As I pondered this experience, I was reminded of what Jesus, the Great Shepherd, said about His sheep.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
I and the Father are one.” - John 10:27-30
Have you heard the Shepherds voice? If you are a believer today, then you are also a sheep. You are able to hear the heart of your Shepherd and know His voice. He knows you intimately. You are very special to Him as one of His flock. The bible tells us that the Good Shepherd laid His life down for the sheep (John 10:11). He has given you His life, His eternal life, and you will never perish. Those are astonishing words of comfort and peace. And best of all, you can feel safe and secure knowing that nothing can snatch you out of His hand. He will never let go of your leash.
You are a gift to Jesus, given by the Father: just like a beautiful bride is given to the bridegroom. He’s never going to let you go, and not even Satan can snatch you out of His hand or the Father’s hand, because they are one in unity. Even if you have wandered your way into the valley, there is comfort for you. You may have fallen into a pit, but know that your Shepherd has a staff. He uses the shepherd's crook to pull you out. If there are wolves or things trying to destroy you, the Shepherd uses His rod to whack them and crush them. (Psalm 23) There is nothing the Shepherd hasn't already done to rescue His sheep and keep them safely in His sheep-fold. Just in case you are feeling crushed under your circumstances, or have been lured down the wrong path, you have a Shepherd who will leave the 99 other sheep on the mountain and go after the one that has lost its way. (Matthew 18:12-14) Not only that, He rejoices over you when you have been found and are back in His protection. Jesus, your Shepherd, wants you near Him always in a love-faith relationship, thriving in your unity with Him. Look at this great promise that was given to Joshua as he was about to lead the children of Israel into the promise land.
“Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance.
The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:7-8
This land that God was going to give to Joshua and the children of Israel is commonly called the “Promised Land.” This land of rest is the inheritance that now belongs to every believer because of Jesus' finished work on the cross, His death and His resurrection. It is ours to posses by faith. In Psalm 23 we are told that this land is the greenest pasture, where we lack nothing. It is in this place that the Shepherd leads us by the restful waters of His Word to constantly keep us refreshed and satisfied. We are protected there. Our Shepherd is on the job night and day, watching carefully over His flock. His heart is to keep us close and rescue us, if needed. When you know the heart of your Shepherd, there is no need to be afraid. Jesus will never fail you or let go of your leash. Your Shepherd loves you too much to let you perish in your problems.
Now that, dear friends, is GRACE!
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” - Psalm 23 KJV
written by
Eileen R. Jacobs (September 2010)
Copyright © 2010 Eileen Jacobs Ministries. All rights reserved.
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