Every day we must recognize who is our good shepherd, because that good shepherd is the one who takes care of us, without a doubt He keeps us from evil, gives us light in the midst of darkness, frees us from the clutches of the enemy and does not leave us to fall into a hole, because He opens our eyes.
Recognizing the Good Shepherd is not just a theological idea, but a daily practice of faith. It implies trusting His guidance even when the road seems uncertain, believing that His voice is sufficient to lead us safely. Many times we walk through situations that we do not understand, but the shepherd knows the terrain, the dangers that surround us, and the exact direction we must take.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
This biblical verse gives us to understand that God is always around us, to give us strength, to defend us, to sustain us, and even when we are naked He covers us with His wings. David does not say that he will never face lack or difficulty, but that under the care of the Shepherd nothing essential will be missing. His provision goes beyond the material; it reaches the soul, the heart, and the spirit.
The psalmist David always had an encouraging word about his situation, in truth this was a huge faith that this man had, he never doubted that God was going to his aid. Even when pursued, betrayed, or surrounded by enemies, David chose to trust. He understood that the shepherd does not abandon the sheep in moments of danger, but draws closer to protect them.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:11
Here we see the statement Jesus makes, telling us that He takes care of all His sheep. He helps us to move forward so that we do not get out of the way that leads us to salvation, because without Him we are nothing. Jesus does not speak as a distant leader, but as one who is deeply involved with the life of each sheep, knowing their weaknesses, fears, and needs.
In truth there is no doubt that He gives His life for His sheep, because that is how happened, He gave His life for us on the cross of Calvary, was mistreated, humiliated, beaten greatly so that through Him we can obtain salvation of our souls. The cross is the greatest proof that His love is not theoretical, but sacrificial. He did not flee from danger; He faced it to rescue us.
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:12
He alone is the one who takes care of His sheep. Before the Lord departed from the earth to His throne, He said that He would not leave us alone, but would send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would be with us at all times. This shows us that the care of the Good Shepherd did not end with His ascension; it continues through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
If the sheep were left alone, the wolves would come and scatter them. But because He is our good shepherd, He provided constant guidance, correction, and comfort. The Spirit teaches us, strengthens us, and reminds us of the words of Christ when we feel weak or confused.
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
John 10:13
This is very true indeed. The salaried shepherd cannot surrender to save the life of the sheep; instead, he escapes to save himself. But our beloved and Almighty Lord is our good shepherd. He does not run away to leave us alone, but fulfills what He declared: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
Let us not forget that the Good Shepherd will always go before our paths. He is God, and we believe in Him. If He gave His life for us, He is more than able to take care of us, guide us, restore us when we fall, and lead us safely until the end.
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The Good Shepherd
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In the mountains of several countries in the world there are still shepherds who look after flocks of sheep or goats: men that sometimes have dedicated all their lives to working among animals. They pasture them, lead them to good grass to eat, so that they can give good milk also. These shepherds on occasions have to defend sheep or goats from wild animals.
These kinds of people are good workers, but rarely do they lose their lives fighting against some bear or wolf: because they flee from them when their animals are attacked by, for example, a pack of wolves. In those cases, sheep are destroyed or scattered.
By contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ said:
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Jesus lovingly pastures his flock because he loves sheep. In the Bible people whk follow Jesus are considered sheep by the Lord.
Jesus, as a good shepherd, takes care of us, his sheep, and he has
given his life for us, struggling against the wolf of our lives, the Devil—who wants to devour us, to catch our souls and cast them in
hell, as he shall be cast for his rebellion against the mighty God, Lord of heaven and earth.
The children of God are blessed people, chosen by God for eternal life. But if you are a child of God, that is for Jesus’ grace and for his merits—and he earned those blessings on our behalf, to the end that you and me could be accepted in the presence of the just and pure God.
To the beloved Son of God, all that came at a high cost: he was abused, humiliated and despised like a criminal. But the truth is he was a just and truly good man, who came to this world to do good to men and women. And yet instead of a prize for his good works, he received a cruel payment. He was crucified on a Roman cross, as announced by prophets many years before.
He was the good shepherd who gave his life for his sheep.
The people of God, who have been blessed by the death of Jesus, are justified by his resurrection. And now he sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.
It is from there that we hope He will come back again, to judge all kinds of people, of all ages, who have lived in this World.