The True Shepherd

Scripture: 2 But the true Shepherd walks right up to the gate, 3 and because the gatekeeper knows who he is, he opens the gate to let him in. And the sheep recognize the voice of the true Shepherd, for he calls his own by name and leads them out, for they belong to him. 4 And when he has brought out all of his sheep, he walks ahead of them and they follow him, for they are familiar with his voice. 7 So Jesus went over it again, “I speak to you eternal truth: I am the Gate for the flock. 8 All those who broke in before me are thieves who came to steal, but the sheep never listened to them. 9 I am the Gateway. To enter through me is to experience life, freedom, and satisfaction. 10 A thief has only one thing in mind – he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have fullness until you overflow! 11 I am the Good Shepherd who lays down my life as a sacrifice for the sheep. 12-13 But the worker who serves only for wages is not a real shepherd. Because he has no heart for the sheep he will run away and abandon them when he sees the wolf coming. And then the wolf mauls the sheep, drags them off, and scatters them. (John 10:2-4, 7-13 The Passion) There are a couple things in this portion of Scripture that are special to me. First, and so important, the True Shepherd knows my name. This always touches my heart in a special way; He truly knows my name and knows where I live! Second, the True Shepherd leads and we follow because we trust Him and know His voice. He does not herd us as a cowboy would do. Thank you so very much, Father, that You do know my name! I know Your voice and I will follow as You lead. You are a good, good Father. AMEN Lord, I trust You to continue to direct me throughout my journey so I can experience Your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to You. Take me by the hand and teach me. Psalm 25
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