“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But 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. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” (John 10:11-13 KJV)
Not one of many shepherds, but “the good shepherd.” He is the first and last line of defense between his sheep and their enemy. His attitude is: “You’ll get my sheep over my dead body.” It isn’t duty or reward that produces this attitude. Rather, his commitment flows out of the depths of his love. He refuses to be terrified by the enemy’s presence and threats and attacks. Also, he refuses to abandon his post simply to save himself. The sheep are his. His life is invested in them. He cares what happens to his sheep. He will not give them up without a “to the death struggle.”
In contrast though, the hired help has no such commitment, care, or love for the sheep. He is simply doing a job . . . enduring until payday. His attitude is: “What’s in it for me?” When the enemy shows up, the hired help refuses to put himself in danger or defend the sheep. Instead, he will leave them in order to save himself. And when there is no defense the enemy captures the sheep. Worse yet, the shepherd-less sheep are scattered and easy prey for more attacks by their enemy. The hired help is not committed to the sheep because they are not his. His life is not invested in them. His interests concern only himself.
What would this world be like if “the good shepherd” had abandoned us to “the wolf?” And of course we can consider this from our personal perspective. What would I be like . . . my life be like . . . if the good shepherd had abandoned me to the wolf?
What a glorious Shepherd we have that He would give his life on Calvary in order to save us from that wicked destroyer! He gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we might enjoy the ultimate abundance. He accepted our guilt so that we might enjoy his mercy. He took our sin so that we might receive his righteousness. O what a Savior! O hallelujah!
Dear Father, thank you for our Shepherd and Savior, Jesus Christ. Empower us with the same spirit and attitude of commitment that He exhibited for us. Grant that we may give our lives in service to him. This I pray in his holy name. AMEN
Be encouraged today in our good Shepherd,