Good Shepherd!

For Saturday, June 4, 2022:

John 10:9-10 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Yes, I am the gate for the sheep. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

2,000 years ago, tending a flock of sheep was a common job. People lived in an agriculture-based economy, and sheep were a source of food and clothing. Sheep are hardy, subsisting on tufts of grass the shepherds hadn’t yet spotted. At some point in their life, almost every male took a turn at caring for a flock, and the women certainly knew what they were doing. My point is, that’s why Jesus made the comparison of God caring for us like a shepherd cares for their flock. It was a good analogy; most people had a perfect understanding of what he meant.

Nowadays most Christians know about shepherding too, because we seek an understanding of Jesus’ teaching. The thief comes to kill and destroy, but Jesus came to lead us to greener pastures!

Follow the Good Shepherd!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Green Pasture

For Wednesday, July 15, 2020.

Psalm 23:2 ESV: “He (the Lord) makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”

David was probably a king when he wrote this, but he recalls his early days as a shepherd. Sheep don’t always know what they need; that’s why they need a shepherd. And people don’t always know what’s best; that’s why we need the Lord.

God is always looking out for you. Sometimes we take on too much; we get way too busy. We’re so consumed with our task that we forget to take a break, forget to get any sleep. God will make you lie down once in a while. Count on it being in a good place, a ‘green pasture,’ not some yucky place that isn’t safe.

Following our shepherd/sheep analogy, you need to know that sheep aren’t the easiest animals to get to lie down. They’re social animals, and if the sheep aren’t all getting along, they won’t settle. Sheep also need to feel safe, not be bothered by outside disruptions and not be hungry. A Good Shepherd sees that these conditions are met for the flock he loves.

Sheep need both a green pasture and calm waters – “waters of rest” in the original language. God will help you recharge your soul so that you can get back into the game.

Our Good Shepherd always knows what’s best!

Blessings to all this week!

Pastor Norton

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406