“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.”

     As a shepherd looks out for his sheep, they learn to trust him.  They feel secure, knowing that the shepherd is near.  This reminds me of a farmer I knew who had a herd of cattle.  One day, his cattle got out of their fenced-in area and they were roaming up and down the highway north of Williamsfield.  Once he found out about this, he went out and all he had to do was motion to the cattle with his hands, telling them, “go this way,” which was aimed back toward the pasture where they were supposed to be.  They recognized him and immediately followed his lead back to safety.  They knew him and trusted him implicitly.

     Jesus, the good shepherd, knows us and we know him as we put our trust in him.  He will not mislead us.  We know that because he laid down his life for us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you for being the one we can trust.  In a world where there is so much darkness and deception, we can always turn to you because you are always looking out for us.  We love you, Lord.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.