Father’s Day - Thursday
John 10:11
”I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (NLT)
The role of the shepherd in ancient times was that of a ferocious protector. The shepherds would protect the sheep at almost any cost. Shepherds were different than any old hired hand. As John 10:12-14 goes on to explain, when wolves came to attack the sheep, hired hands run in fear. Shepherds stand their ground and protect their sheep.
To stand their ground, shepherds would often carry a rod, staff, and/or a sling. The sling was obviously a defensive weapon used to ward off predators. The rod or staff could be used as a defensive weapon, or it could be used to guide the sheep and gently redirect them. Psalm 23 famously exclaims, “Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” This is symbolic of the provision we receive from our Good Shepherd.
Over time, a flock of sheep begins to know and trust the voice of their shepherd and follow only that voice. The shepherd would often corral his sheep in a pen overnight so that none of the sheep would wander off, and the shepherd could get a good night’s rest. The shepherd would hold the gate for his sheep to enter into safety. In John 10:6, Jesus boldly proclaims that He is the gate for His sheep. As we continue in John 10:11, Jesus makes another bold claim, saying He is the fulfillment of 500-year-old prophecies from Jeremiah 23 and Ezekiel 34—meaning that He really is the Good Shepherd that God promised His people.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who has proven His credentials to us by laying His life down for His sheep. As Scott said this past Sunday, protecting ferociously is one of the roles of a father. So if you want to be a good father, follow Jesus’ example and lay down your life for your children. And if you want to follow your Good Shepherd and live under His fatherly protection, make sure you know and trust His voice.
Thursday’s Reflection
Are you following the Good Shepherd’s leading in your life that is meant to guide, redirect, and protect you? Are you doing everything you can to guide and protect those He has entrusted to your care?