“I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

The Lord Jesus explains to us the difference between someone hired to watch the sheep and the shepherd. If minor annoyances would come along probably most hirelings would deal with them. But sometimes when grave danger suddenly happened, hirelings would run away as fast as they could. They ran because they cared for themselves and thought little about the sheep. The difference is that the shepherd, if he or she was a good shepherd, flight from the danger would be unthinkable. Good Shepherds would run toward the danger because they had sheep to protect. In eternity past God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit decreed the eternal decree. No, I don’t claim to understand it by any means. But this I do know: in eternity past it was decided that at the time appointed, the Lord Jesus would take upon Himself the form of a man. This is known as the incarnation. He is the Good Shepherd. He gave His life for us. Never have I been loved by anyone like this. Though I am a man greatly blessed because I have many who love me, no one has ever loved or cared for me like the Lord Jesus. It is the same with you, friend. No one has ever loved or cared for you like the Lord Jesus. He is our Good Shepherd!

For today: I surely want to be the kind of follower who will please my Good Shepherd. How about you?