Have you wondered or wished you had a guardian angel? Do you want someone who looks over you and keeps you safe? Have you searched for that person? Do you believe that person is your spouse or your parents? Would you believe there is someone who is looking out for your best interests?
Having someone be our shield, protector, and provider is not only nice but a requirement. We may not always think it is needed, but we are wrong when we think that way. We need someone who is continually looking out for us. We need someone who will run off the wolves who stalk us.
That someone is Jesus. He uses the analogy of being a good shepherd. It is one the people of the first century understood. The good shepherd guarded the sheep. He or she was constantly on the look out for predators. The good shepherd sought out abundant fields for the sheep to feed and clean water for them to drink. If a wolf or bear or lion came to prey on the sheep, the shepherd would fight them off to protect the sheep.
We have a Good Shepherd in Jesus. He continually seeks to shield, protect, and provide for us. However, just like the sheep, we sometimes wander away. We become the stray that has left the safety of the Good Shepherd. But He has not abandoned us. He will search for us and call us back. If needed, He will put us on His shoulders and carry us back to safety. When He does, He and the entire host of heaven will rejoice.
We are to listen for His voice. We are to know His voice. It takes practice. It requires us to focus on Him. But when we do, His call will be heard and will always find our way back to His open arms waiting to welcome us.
I pray we all listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd. I pray we know He is continually our shield, protector, and provider. I pray each one of us will seek the safety of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. Listen for the Good Shepherd. Know He is your protector. Know He is your provider. Know He laid down His life for you.
John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Marty Pressey 