Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Good Shepherd! In my children's
class on Wednesday evening, the assigned lesson was on listening to the Good
Shepherd. To relate to my four- and five-year-olds, I adapted the truths of
John 10 and Psalm 23 into statements the Good Shepherd would say. I found the
insight amazing, and wanted to share with you.
The Good Shepherd says, "Let me in to take care of
you" (J2,3). How silly it would be to keep Him outside when He wants to be
fully involved in taking care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Follow me. This is the right
path" (J3,4, P3). The Shepherd will lead us only in good and right ways.
We can fully trust His guidance.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't follow other people or
things that would destroy you" (J5,8,10). There are so many people and
things in this world that are distractions and dangers. At best, they keep us
from optimal service, and at worst, they threaten to destroy us.
The Good Shepherd says, "Come in this door" (J7,9).
There is only one right door. What a blessing to have entered in!
The Good Shepherd says, "Here is good pasture and good
water" (J3,9,10, P2). The Shepherd gives the very best for us to feed on.
His precious Word is filled with sustaining goodness, and He chooses the best settings
for us where we can truly be nourished.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll give you all you need and
more" (J10, P1,5). We don't lack anything we need. Far from that, the
Shepherd gives abundance that runs over. His blessings are many.
The Good Shepherd says, "Don't run away" (J12). If
the sheep scatter in the face of danger, the enemy can easily catch them, but
if they stay very near the Shepherd, He will protect them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I love you very much. I would even
give my life for you" (J11,15). No greater love. He sacrificed Himself for
us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I want more sheep" (J16).
Actually we Gentiles are the other sheep, but we aren't all of the other
sheep. There are still more sheep that need to be brought into the fold, and
God uses us to help call them.
The Good Shepherd says, "I help you because I want
to" (J17,18). No one has to make the Shepherd serve. It is His deliberate
choice.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're sad, I'll comfort
you" (P3,4). Isn't it wonderful that He recognizes the human reality of
sadness and sorrow? He restores and comforts, ministering to our hurting hearts
like no one else can.
The Good Shepherd says, "If you're scared, I'm with
you" (P4). He also recognizes our human tendency to fear. But then He
reminds us that He - the One who is bigger than all dangers - is with us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I'll protect you" (P5).
We might have enemies, but even when they are near, they are not too much for
the Shepherd. He can still take care of us.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will never leave you in all
your life" (P6). When I taught the children, I said "never"
about ten times. Never means never. Not even in our darkest moments does He
leave our side.
The Good Shepherd says, "I will take you to
heaven" (P6). The best pasture is yet to come. What a glory that will be!
"The King of love my shepherd is,/ Whose goodness
faileth never./ I nothing lack if I am His,/ And He is mine forever."
May you truly relish the wonder and benefits of the Good
Shepherd as you follow Him this week.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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