John 10:10-11 (Read John 10:1-21)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Dwell:
In David Gibson’s book, “The Lord of Psalm 23,” he begins the first chapter with the title, “Who He Is.” The Lord is my shepherd. When we truly understand “who He is,” we cannot help but lay our lives down and follow Him. The word ‘good’ in John 10 is translated from the Greek word ‘kalos,’ which means more than just “good” as opposed to “bad.” It encompasses the essence of being both good and beautiful. One classical Greek scholar translated Jesus’ statement as, “I am the Shepherd, the Shepherd Beautiful.”
Jesus is indeed the Shepherd, the Shepherd Beautiful. In His love, He is willing to lay down His life for His sheep. He holds authority over life and death. He is the God of the universe who became one of us to reconcile us back into a relationship with the Father. God is sovereign over every molecule, and everything from the beginning of time has happened under His sovereign hand.
You might wonder, “Why did this or that happen?” Begin with the perspective that God is for His own glory, and His glory is your ultimate good. As Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Only the Good Shepherd is worthy of glorifying, for He is truly good. This leads us to the question, “Is He your Shepherd?”
“My sheep know my voice” (John 10:4). Christ’s faithful lambs know His voice because they are used to the sound of it. Because they commune with Him often and hunger for the words that fall from His lips, they recognize the tone and rhythm of His precious words. They can tell at once whether He or a stranger is declaring peace. They know His voice because it speaks good to their souls. His word of peace humbles souls, cleanses from guilt, transforms lives, melts their hearts, and endears Christ to them.” - Kris Lundgaard
Lord, You are the Good Shepherd, and there is no one and nothing else I desire to guide me through life. You alone are perfect and truly good. Help me to hear Your voice clearly and not be distracted by the noise of this world. Thank You for protecting me from my own shortcomings and leading me to greener pastures where I can commune with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.