Following the Trail of God's Promises: The 40-Day ChallengeSample

36. The Good Shepherd

Going out to graze presents sheep with a daily possibility of being attacked by a predator such as a wolf. That is why the sheep need the protection of the shepherd. His presence and voice, which they know. In this text, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd calls each sheep by name. He gave His life for each one. He cares about each individual sheep. He protects His own sheep, and is ready to take care of sheep from other sheepfolds. The one who is not a shepherd, but only a hired hand, does not invest effort in getting to know or really understanding the sheep, and in the event of a wolf attack, he only looks to save his own skin. For him, the sheep do not take priority, but rather his own well-being does. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We are His sheep. How well do we know Jesus’ voice? In the cacophony of voices, can we recognize the voice of the One who knows us, calls us by name and has given His life for us? Do we perhaps prefer the voices of those who do not enter the sheepfold through the door, but from the side? Who are we fighting against - “wolves” that catch up with us throughout life and sometimes it seems that there is no end to them?

Jesus offers a way out. He is the Good Shepherd who gives life to His sheep and not just any life, but life in abundance. Why is it so difficult for us to surrender to Him and live such a life?

PRACTICAL CHALLENGE

Day 36. It is difficult to hear the voice of our Shepherd if we do not listen. Try to focus your attention on listening today: spend at least 15 minutes in complete silence, alone! Or, if it’s still too difficult, put headphones on your ears and play “white noise” on YouTube. Focus your thoughts on Jesus and listen.