March 5 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

John 10:11-18:

¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
¹²But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
¹³The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
¹⁴I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
¹⁵As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
¹⁶And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
¹⁷Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
¹⁸No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Devotional

The picture of shepherd and sheep so familiar to us is often used in the Bible. And what precious truths are conveyed to us by it. What intimate relationship between shepherd and sheep. He knows every one of them by name. So the Good Shepherd knows his sheep and is known of them. What tender care the shepherd bestows upon his sheep. "He goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." So believers are led and guided by the Word of God. They know the truth and can distinguish it from error. "A stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers." The Good Shepherd seeks the lost and brings them home. Jesus came "to seek and to save that which was lost." The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners. He could not prove his love for us in a better way than by giving himself a ransom for our sins. And being redeemed, we are continually guarded by the Shepherd's love. Thus we are well protected and well cared for all our life, and safe and secure for all eternity. Listen to the words of the Shepherd, "I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

Can you say with David, "The Lord is my shepherd"?

Prayer

Our Father, we thank Thee for Thine infinite love, Thy tender care, and Thy continual protection over us. Help us to realize that these blessings come to us through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for us. Help us to give heed to his voice. Make us willing to follow him, whithersoever He may lead. And prepare us for the life to come, when we shall be with him in eternal happiness and blessedness. Hear us for his sake. Amen.

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Scripture in Devotional: John 10:4, 5, 14; Luke 19:10, 11; Rom. 5:8.

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