The Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
If there is any doubt that Jesus loves us, this verse puts our minds at ease. Jesus’ love was so deep that He gave His life for us. Even more comforting is knowing that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The guilt and shame of our sin are washed away by His blood. We stand forgiven, not because we are good, but because He is gracious.
Unfortunately, in this materialistic world, we are faced with many temptations to take God’s grace for granted. Satan is working diligently to take away the faith we have in God’s promises and to have us base our future on earthly goals. Jesus warned: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-20). The apostle Paul also reminds us: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself" (Philippians 3:20-21).
As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, the Lord never gives up in His efforts to reclaim His wandering sheep. How sad it is when these wandering sheep continually reject His saving grace in their misguided race for earthly treasures. May God preserve us and our loved ones from this danger!
Should some lust or sharp temptation
Prove too strong for flesh and blood,
Let me think upon Thy Passion,
And the breach is soon made good.
Or should Satan press me hard,
Let me then be on my guard,
Saying, "Christ for me was wounded,"
That the Tempter flee confounded.
The Lutheran Hymnal 144:2