Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 10:11, ” I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. “
Background
Every year there comes the time when employees are going through their annual performance reviews. And regardless of whether you’re the one being reviewed or you are giving the assessment, many times the process comes down to finding the right word to express your thoughts. We’ve all seen the résumés that incorporate strategic power words, or are filled with fluffy descriptives to make an ordinary job sound like the most important role this side of heaven. Performance reviews can suffer the same fate. But in reviewing the performance and character of Jesus as shepherd, what if He had been described another way? What if He was our careful shepherd?
Do you want someone who never leads you anywhere that’s unpleasant or never asks you to step out on faith? What about a wise shepherd? Are you looking for someone to fill your head with information and pithy sayings? What if He was an exciting shepherd? Would you be satisfied if He repeatedly took you from one thrilling and engaging activity to another, without ever having to roll up your sleeves and get engaged? How about a wealthy shepherd?
Wouldn’t it be nice if He provided all the best things for all His devoted sheep so that no one had any material concerns?
Application
Some would enjoy an efficient shepherd, one who paid attention to details and did things the same way every time. Still others would like a powerful shepherd. He would take down the evil that rises up and refuse to be bullied into irrelevance. And then there is the fair shepherd, who would always do what is best, not intending to harm or disenfranchise anyone. But fortunately for us, condemned sheep that we are, we have a good shepherd. And a good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. Nothing else would suffice, and Jesus did nothing short of what we needed. If you wish He was some other sort, rethink what you really need.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let your performance be reflective of someone who’s been given new life.
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Author – Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org
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