A Sheep’s-Eye View of the Shepherd: Day Five
Day 5: Is He Yours?
Devotional
We have spent this week walking through what kind of shepherd God is. He provides out of His own goodness. He is present in the darkest valleys. His love pursues us with relentless grace. But all of that leads to one final, personal question. Is Jesus your shepherd? Not do you know about Him. Not have you heard of Him. But is He yours? Can you say from your heart, not just from memory, the words David wrote: "The Lord is my shepherd"? In John 10, Jesus declared, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He was not saying He was like the shepherd David described. He was saying He is that shepherd. And He proved it by walking into the darkest valley anyone has ever faced, dying on a cross, and walking out of the grave three days later. Because He did, every one of His sheep will also. Maybe you have been trying to be your own shepherd, providing for yourself, protecting yourself, figuring out life on your own. And if you are honest, it is exhausting. There is a better way. There is a shepherd who has already done what you cannot do for yourself. If you have never made that personal, today is a good day to start. Not a transaction, but a relationship. The shepherd is already pursuing you. Will you let Him be yours?
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. - John 10:11
Reflection Question
If someone asked you to describe your relationship with Jesus in one honest sentence, what would you say, and does that sentence reflect someone who knows about Him or someone who truly knows Him?
"Jesus is the shepherd who pursues, leaving His throne in heaven to become one of us,
and to pursue us all the way to the cross. Every other shepherd would sacrifice his sheep to save himself.
But Jesus is the only shepherd who laid down his life to save His sheep." - Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being the shepherd who pursued me all the way to the cross. I don’t just want to know about You. I want You to be mine. Be my shepherd today and every day. Amen.