Spiritual GPS – I AM the Good Shepherd

Reread John 8:12 – 20

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

– Psalm 23:1

Jesus is our Good Shepherd because He knows us intimately, knowing everything about us that we may not even want revealed to others. That fact can be terrifying at first, but comforting overall as we begin to understand His intentions for us.

He is a Shepherd who equips us with various tools to use for His purpose. These are tools that we are not meant to hold in a safe place for Him. Instead, we are to venture out into the world’s pastures with those gifts, helping others, spreading the good news, and building our Father’s kingdom.

We are blessed beyond all reason and understanding because we are governed by a Shepherd who knows us better than we know ourselves. All of us have the desire to feel safe. All of us have the desire to know we are loved. All of us want the best journey possible. All of us want to finish the journey well.  Our good shepherd desires to help us finish to His words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Dive Deeper

Psalm 95:7 “For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you would hear His voice.”

Ezekiel 34:31 “’As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord God.”

 

Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”

Practical Application

All too often grown Christian sheep reason and behave like children, thinking and acting as if they know better than the One who rules over all things. If you catch yourself in such a compromising situation, have the courage and faith to pause. Pray the Shepherd guides you back onto the right path. Then be obedient enough to follow His lead.

 

Our Shepherd has equipped each one of us with many gifts. Ask for guidance in how you are to use your gifts to edify and grow the Shepherd’s flock.