Day 5 – I Am the Good Shepherd

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 NLT

Shepherding, in those days, was an important occupation. Those who could afford it would employ a hired hand to take care of their flock, and those who weren’t as wealthy, would do it themselves or choose a family member – like David took care of the family flock. They stayed in the field with the sheep, day and night. At night the shepherds would gather all the flocks together in a penned area, with a gatekeeper in charge of the entrance.  So in the morning, the Shepherds would come and call their flock and those recognizing the voice of their shepherd will follow him back into the field for the day. Not one sheep would enter or exit the gate without the call of their Shepherd.

Ezekiel prophesied: “I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes – feed them justice!” Ezekiel 34:15-16 NLT.

Jesus did not only fulfill these prophecies through this statement alone but also through the actions of His ministry and still doing it for us today. When you stray, the one sheep wandering off, He – our Shepherd – leaves the 99 to come and find you. He is our Good Shepherd!

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being our Shepherd and that we can follow Your voice. Thank You for giving Your life to gather Your sheep back to the folds of the Kingdom of Heaven.  That not one will be lost under Your care. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me that much. Amen.

Intercessor Prayer at prayer@womenoftheword.co.za

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