John 10:1-21 (NLT)

Urban realities limit our understanding of the intimate care of a shepherd towards his herd and the life-dependent relationship the sheep have to their caretaker.

I happen to be an urbanite displaced in what can only be described as farmland. Every morning, I drive out from our street to be greeted by a fenced-in field, boasting its acres of green and brown pasture. Under the attacking force of a Texas summer sun, the fifty or so cows that graze the wide land congregate tightly under the largest of the few trees that shade scattered spots over the fuming land. Their clueless sheep friends wander the grounds sheepishly, their walk lethargic from the draining heat.

Without a God who fiercely protects us, we are left to wander about aimlessly—left to figure out life on our own and to face dangers of this broken world in our frailty. When Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd,” He is committing His protection to us. He gathers us one by one, nudging us with His calming hands, calling us by His gentle voice. He rescues us from our confused and deranged day to day operations under the scorching life of busyness, accounts and race for recognition. He brings us to a place of rest and acceptance: it is the place of His presence and protection.

Reflection:
Are you treading through your long days, wondering why your slumped back is so tired? Are you overcome by loneliness or sadness that seems bigger than what your efforts of self-assurance can conjure? Or have you just lost your way somewhere along this journey? Decide today to stop mulling over dead grass by yourself. Bring your weary heart to prayer and look up to your Good Shepherd who is ready to lead you to a safe place. You will find intimate refuge. You will find dependent-life.

*This devotional first appeared in Encounter Monthly Journal, January 2006