February 4, 2021 – John 10:14-15

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.

When we know Who our Shepherd is, we receive an identity. We know Whose we are.  This gives us our purpose.  The 23rd Psalm begins, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want...”  

This knowing Jesus proclaims how far Jesus is willing to go for those who follow Him.  He laid down His Life on the cross for us.    When we know Him, we listen to Him. His Way and His life make us one flock. There is no division in those who belongs to Jesus.

Dear Father, give us the strength know our purpose to serve and love others, even as He loves me. Lead me, guide me, and restore my soul. I pray in the name of my Shepherd, Jesus, Amen.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23:6.  And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.  Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another,  for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  I Peter 5:4-5.

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 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. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:16-18.