The duty of a shepherd is to take charge of a flock of sheep. In ancient times as well as in some places today, a shepherd goes to the fold in the morning, where several flocks might be lying. He then calls to the sheep. His sheep recognize his voice and follow him. The other sheep that don’t belong to him pay no attention to that strange voice.
An amazing fact is that those sheep that are kept near the shepherd each have name. They answer to that name.
The shepherd leads his flock to pasture and spends the day with them and at times the night as well. If a wild animal or poacher intrudes on the flock, the shepherd is quick to defend them with his rod. He keeps the restless sheep from planted fields or dangerous paths and guides them with his staff.
If a sheep strays, he searches for it and brings it back and tenderly cares for the fragile and the weak. And if the pastures dry up or become covered with snow, the shepherd provides food for the flock of branches of leaves and tender shoots of the forest.
No wonder the Bible compares Jesus Christ to a shepherd. And not just any old shepherd but the good Shepherd.
He sacrificed all and laid down his life for you—for the sheep. He comes to the fold and calls out his own sheep by name—they're called out and brought together as His flock, His church. They recognize his voice as he calls and they answer and follow him and refuse to follow any other.
Do you recognize His voice? Do you answer His call? Do you follow His lead, and ignore the distracting voices?
Jesus Christ wants you in the fold. He truly loves and cares for you. So be sure to listen to His voice and follow the good Shepherd. (John 10:1-18).
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