23rd August

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10, 11

For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34, 11, 12 & 16

Save his lost sheep

While diving in to the river to recapture one of his lost sheep he was carried away by the waters. After several hours of search his body was found unconscious. Most probably the sheep and the shepherd drowned together.

Does this news item not remind us on the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus who gave his life for each one of us? He declares: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10, 27 & 28). When one looks at a flock of sheep one has the impression that all the animals are similar and they all do the same thing. However, a shepherd will tell you that he knows each animal individual and that each one has his own character. He can give each one of them personal care. So, our Lord Jesus Christ loved every man who is a sinner to die for him on the cross. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 shows us the dedication of the good shepherd who is very happy to look for the lost sheep and to bring it back to it's sheepfold.

Can you realize that you are this lost sheep that Jesus found and that he cares for you as the good shepherd?