[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG
During this season of reflection
and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us
as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]
3rd Sunday in Lent ~
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays
down his life for the sheep. . .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. . . 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 in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down
of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up
again. I have received this command from My Father. John 10:11-18 NRSV
Reading this passage in
John, we learn about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, about
thieves and flocks in need. Jesus says I
AM the good shepherd. He knows His sheep; His sheep know Him, know His
voice. Jesus is the good shepherd who protects and provides for His flock.
Unlike the thieves who are unreliable, Jesus even lays down His life for His
sheep. He will never abandon them.
The
metaphors of sheep and shepherd help us understand our relationship with Jesus.
As His sheep we are totally dependent upon His care, His guidance. He is our
security. Jesus voluntarily chooses us as His sheep then gives His life for us. Jesus
says I AM the good shepherd. This
Divine Love exceeds our capacity to understand. As we journey through Lent, it
is the sacrifice of such Divine Love that overwhelms the soul. For me, for this
sheep, I know Jesus lay down His life and took it up again. New Life comes to
me because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Is Jesus your good shepherd?
- How do you express your total dependence on the good shepherd?
Good Shepherd, I need you in every way. Your
leading is the path I choose. My praise for such Divine Love shouts wordless Hallelujahs! - dho
All rights
reserved ~ used with permission of the author
Copyright 2013
by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author
For more
information about this ministry visit ~
“May you be
blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”
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