From Today’s Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11
One characteristic of sheep is their desire to follow a leader. They are known for flocking behavior and their social tendencies; so when one sheep begins to move in a certain direction, the others usually will follow. Shepherds have recounted cases of sheep being killed because they followed a leading sheep over a cliff or into a ravine.
It’s not just because sheep were common in the biblical culture that they are mentioned often. It is also because humans display some of the same tendencies as sheep.
One of the most poignant moments in Jesus’ life came when “He saw the multitudes [and] He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).
The Jews’ spiritual shepherds had abandoned them in the Old Testament (Ezekiel 34), and it broke Jesus’ heart. God spoke through Ezekiel that He Himself would take on the responsibility of shepherding His people (Ezekiel 34:l1-16). And He did when Jesus came and said, “I am the good shepherd.”
Every human being needs the shepherding care of God who is willing to give His life for His sheep. There is no shame in wanting to be shepherded by God.
A redeemed flock should live in redemption’s pastures.
Henry Law