I Am The Good Shepherd

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.”

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—  just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:11-15

Recently I found myself thinking about the success of others, financial security, retirement plans, family, friends and my job. Pretty common topics to contemplate until I read today’s passage and realized that in the way I was thinking about them they had become “hired hands.” God’s definition of “hired hands” is anything we look to, other than God, for acceptance, love and security.

The hired hand in Jesus’ story was only concerned about his own interest and when those are threatened, he ran away leaving the sheep to fend for themselves. He cared nothing for the sheep. Perhaps you have felt abandoned in relationships, worried over finances, stressed about your job or even fearful of current world events. It may feel like you are surrounded by wolves ready to be devoured.

But Jesus wanted us to know that He is The Good Shepherd. The One who laid down His life for us so that we would know with assurance that we are accepted, loved and secure in Him. We don’t need to trust in “hired hands” that will ultimately fail us, because we have a shepherd who knows us, knows our needs and watches over us.

I believe that God wants us to make wise decisions about our finances and relationships, but they are not meant to fill the purpose that only Christ can. Our hope, our future, our very lives are in the hands of God and we can always trust the One who gave His life for us.