{Day 20}: The Lord is My Shepherd

YOU GUYS. This weekend, I found a button. I think it’s going to revolutionize blogging for me. Because I now know how to turn words another color!!!

I know, I know. This seems pretty elementary. I always meant to figure it out, and now that I’ve just happened upon a button, I don’t even have to. How fun! Too bad I didn’t figure this out before I started a series about RED LETTER WORDS. But here we go anyway…

Welcome back to {the new and improved and in-color series} 31 Days of Love in Red Letters. 

Is this month cruising by for you too? But what gorgeous fall weather we were blessed with this weekend! Truly a gift. I hope you were able to get out and enjoy it.

In the book of John, we find the fourth answer to this question ~ Jesus, Who are You?

Previously, He answered, I am the Bread of Life. I am the Light of the World. I am the Door.

Now, I am Good Shepherd.

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.

John 10:11, 14

The people Jesus spoke to knew shepherds. Both shepherds who cared for flocks of sheep, and kings called shepherds, who led God’s people.

Unfortunately, they were used to false shepherds. Religious rulers, Pharisees, and chief priests ruled over them with an abundance of burdensome rules and harsh punishments. Long before that, kings ruled over the people of Israel, failing to obey God or respect the role He had given them.

Jesus comes on the scene as a great contrast. He is the Good Shepherd. Who knows. Loves. Cares for. Guides. Protects. Feeds. Provides for His own.

He risked danger for them, the way a loving shepherd would do for his sheep. Ultimately, He died to pay all the penalty not only for them, but for all who would come after them. For any who would believe in Him and receive Him. For us!

Just before Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd, He tells them something about thieves. Thieves come only to steal, kill, and destroy. Like the false shepherds, and the evil one. These were not out to serve the people. They cared only for themselves.

In contrast, Jesus came to give a rich and satisfying life to His own. His main concern was for His sheep.

Like the old Psalm says, Jesus shepherds us still.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~Psalm 23

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

Thanks for joining me here today. Have an amazing Monday.

~Angela