“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
– John 10:14-15
 What’s a shepherd like? Many of us don’t know anymore because there’s not very many shepherds left. But in the Old Testament days, a lot of people were shepherds. A shepherd is someone who cares for his sheep. He knows them all by name and they know his voice, and it’s like they’re friends. What’s really important to note is that in the Bible days, sheep weren’t just owned by one guy, they were the property of a whole village. So the shepherd was called by his community to guard the wealth of that village represented in these sheep. These sheep represent the bulk of the economy of most small villages, so the shepherd’s job is to protect the sheep. So by God calling us His sheep, He’s saying I know you personally — I know your name and you’re incredibly valuable to me. Isn’t that good news? That God considers you valuable? In the same way that a shepherd values his sheep, He values you.
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Prayer
Thank you, God, for knowing my name. Thank you for your loving care and protection.
Reflection
How can you lean on God as your shepherd?
