“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.“ (John 10:11-13, NIV)
Ownership.
What a stark difference between the sheep owner and the hired hand.
One of my all-time favorite books is “A Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23” by Philip Keller. Philip examines Psalm 23 through his personal experience as a sheep farmer. He gives incredible insight to the hidden meanings of Psalm due to his expertise as a shepherd. It has given me a whole new perspective on “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
I’m so thankful that Jesus is my Shepherd and not just watching over me to earn a buck.
Jesus, my Shepherd, I want to know Your voice. I am so grateful that You care for me, protect me, guide me, provide for me. Thank You for putting up with my sheep-like ways of stupidity, stubbornness and ignorance. I want to follow You always. Amen.
simply spoken
From the archives. Originally published November 4, 2009.
Sixty-six books in a year 