But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."—John 10:2-5
I read in one place that this is a parable, taken from the customs of Eastern shepherds who went before their sheep to “set” them in the way of their steps. I was glad to know this because my favorite part of this section of Scripture were these words:
And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them;
My God doesn’t drive me forward with a whip or use a dog to hem in my steps as I walk. He never has me do anything without Him doing it first. He goes before me and I follow Him. I cannot be long confused or deceived because as His sheep I know His voice:
…for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
This verses were comforting to read. God has my journey all mapped out. I am in His care…a sheep of His pasture. As His creature, I depend completely and utterly on Him. (Insert deep sigh of relief). God guards me by His providence, guides me by His Spirit and goes before me as I journey. Psalm 139 tells me that God not only knows everything about me but that He also hedges me behind and before and lays His hand upon me as I walk. (Kinda like we do when our kids are first learning to walk).
I know I am not sufficient for what I face in this life. Thankfully, nothing about this life as His child is on me. Beloved…Take these words of God into your heart. They are a wonderful, daily reminder of His love and care for us. Read through John, Chapter 10 and get to know the Shepherd of your soul.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.—Psalm 23
