¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, ¹⁵ just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”

John 10:14-16

This scripture conjures up so many familiar images for us doesn’t it?  Even those outside the sheepfold probably recognize this quote and can finish it, “The Lord is my shepherd…”  It brings up images of soft fluffy lambs and Jesus carrying or leading them somewhere.

However, for me, as one of the “lost sheep” for much of my life, it brings to life something more like this image.

That is me.  That little black sheep wrestling to get out of the briar patch.  And there is my faithful shepherd, having left the other “good” sheep, to come out and rescue me again.  Logic says He should have left me out there on my own.  After all, there is no guarantee that I won’t go straying off on my own again – getting into other trouble regardless of what He does to keep me safe.

But He loved me so much that He searched for me, picked me up, cleaned me off, and carried me to a place where I could be a part of His flock – safe and secure.  He even changed my appearance to be as white as snow, so I wouldn’t be embarrassed there with the others.  He had compassion for me, the lost sheep, even when I didn’t even know Him.  And He sacrificed everything that I might be rescued.

How thankful I am that Jesus is my Good Shepherd.  Where would I be without His grace and mercy?

How about you my friends?  Where would you be with Him chasing after you?