Thur 12th Jan 2023 - Daily Reading:
John 10:1-18
The Gate and the Good Shepherd
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.1-18.NIV
The image of Jesus as the shepherd is one that we're very familiar with. The shepherd tends the flocks, protects and guides, feeds and cares. The shepherd is not considered highly favoured, rather as an outcast and a loner, not somebody to aspire to or a career path to desire.
Yet, in all of this, we think back to a great shepherd in Scripture, David, who went on to lead the nation of Israel to greatness as their king. From the lowly came greatness.
With Jesus calling Himself "the good shepherd", but also the "gate for the sheep", He is willing to go to any lengths to seek us out and to keep us safe from harm. He is the gate way to salvation to all who would come and be with Him. We are known personally by Him and also know Him and recognise him as the one who brings safety.
We need to not be distracted by things that we believe may protect and help us, rather we should be putting out whole trust in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It is not by our strength, but the Lord's, that we are saved. Let is throw our whole heart, mind and soul into this truth and go where He would lead, as scary as it sometimes may be, trusting in the care of our proctor and redeemer.
Optional meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4tPkX0MG0 (4 min 3 sec)