In our last blog, we reflected on the song “Shepherd of My Soul.” The blog’s premise was on the journey the Lord Jesus I took as I learned to give Him FULL CONTROL of my Life. Through many victories and failures, He has proved to me He is trustworthy (worth trusting with all of me). Jesus has been MY… in so many wondrous ways but today, I want to focus on Jesus, MY Good Shepherd.

 

John 10:11-15 of the Amplified version of the Bible says:

 

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. ¹² But the hired man [who merely serves for wages], who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep. 

 

¹⁴ I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]— ¹⁵ even as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep. 

 

Strong’s Concordance defines the word Good as (Kalos) beautiful, honest, excellent, surpassing (all others before and after Him.) Magnificent, of high moral distinction, commendable, and admirable.

 

Also, the word Shepherd means (Poimen) Pastor. Jesus is the PASTOR OF MY SOUL! A Pastor tends a herd or flock, not merely feeds them. Here are clear roles of how a TRUE Pastor tends their flocks.

 

The Good Shepherd Protects and Defends His Flock from Danger

I don’t know about you, but I have been a very headstrong, undisciplined, and stubborn sheep to handle over the years. There have been times I have gone astray following my way. I believed I knew what was best for me more than My Good Shepherd. On several occasions, I decided not to obey the authority in my life because I believed people in authority wanted to control me, and they didn’t care about me. But when I found myself deceived by the enemy of my soul (the flesh) and the lies I believed, I became stranded in the darkness of my rebellion and fears. I was surrounded by enemies who wanted to kill and destroy me. But after my Lord revealed to me my false beliefs, He taught me how to hear His voice so another voice I would not follow. My Jesus always came to my rescue!

 

Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep and honor Your word [with loving obedience].
Psalm 119:67 AMP

 

 

The Good Shepherd Saves the Lost and Hiding Sheep

How many times have you felt lost? Not just lost in sin but lost in the wilderness of your feelings and thoughts? For me, more than I can count. I learned to hide and build walls because of my past experiences of not trusting people who hurt me or disappointed me. When I prayed and asked Jesus for something, and He did not answer the way I wanted Him to, I refused to talk to Him. So, I hid in work, television, shopping, ministry, church activities, and the list goes on. Hiding was a strategy to keep Jesus at bay so He wouldn’t get in my way. However, Jesus saw me in my lost state, trapped by anger and disappointment; He did not give up on me. He wooed me through His words, His people, and my spirit to turn to Him because He loves me and wanted to free me from my hurts and disappointments.

 

For the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 AMP

 

The Good Shepherd Heals the Wounded and Sick Flock

It takes great patience to help someone who is wounded like I was. When a sheep is injured, the pain is so deep they may fight, bite, and resist any touch or comfort. They have learned to manage life on their own. Some may be mean and hard to handle. Others are well-mannered while covering their wounds with a beautiful façade. When sheep are wounded physically, they are more acceptable to others. However, when a sheep’s pain stems from deep emotional pain or traumas, they are quickly rejected and cast to the side, not so with Jesus, My Good Shepherd. Instead of rejecting me or casting me to the side, He long suffered with me in all my ups and downs. He promised me in 1982, “I will restore your soul the way I created it to be.” And, He has been faithful to all His promises.  Not only has My Good Shepherd healed my soul, but He has also been faithful in healing and restoring my body. 

 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].
Psalm 147:3 AMP

 

The Good Shepherd Loves Each Member of His Flock Intimately

Jesus loves me as if I am the only sheep in His flock. He knows me so intimately, talks to me, and relates to me in ways He knows I would understand. A Good Shepherd has pet names for all his sheep. Even though they are of one flock, each is special to the shepherd. There is no pretending, hiding, or trying to impress Him in the relationship; I am FREE TO BE ME! 

 

The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life for His Flock

My Good Shepherd paid my sin debt in full. The cross was designed for the guilty, and I was guilty because I was born a sinner. I was born with the nature of my father, Adam. And, before I was born, my Jesus took my place on the cross and said to our Holy Father, “Put Tresca’s sin debt on Me, and I will become guilty to make her innocent and righteous before You, Father.” So, I now live FREE of the penalty owed for my sin. Jesus, My Good Shepherd, became my friend and exchanged my sinfulness for His Holiness and Righteousness. HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME; THEN HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO ME! Thank You, My Lord Jesus!

 

No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.
John 15:13 AMP

 

Jesus is My Good Shepherd; In Him, I am SAFE forever! Like my brother, David who wrote Psalm 23 from his personal experiences, from one sheep to another, this is MY ANTHEM too!

 

 

The Lord is My Good Shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me],

I shall not want (for anything). You supply my every need!

 

He lets me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.

 

He refreshes and restores my soul (life).

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake.

 

Even though WE (will) walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are IN me.

 

 Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide],

they comfort and console me.

 

You ALWAYS prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You ALWAYS anoint and refresh my head with oil.

My cup overflows with gratitude!

 

Surely Your goodness, mercy, and unfailing love abide within me all the days of my life.

For I AM dwelling forever [throughout all my days] in the

House of the Lord and in Your Presence

Because I am Your Temple,

Your Abiding Place,

Your New Jerusalem, Forever! Amen

 

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Enjoy Christ, Enjoy Life!