John 10:11 says, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  In verse 10, which was read in worship on Sunday, it refers to the shepherd and guardian of our soul.   I was pondering on that imagery this afternoon.

I decided two things. 

1) The Good Shepherd lays down his life repeatedly.  Generally we think of that referring to Jesus laying down his life for us when he died on the cross.  While that is probably what it is referring to, I believe it can go further than that.  The Good Shepherd is constantly there for us, laying down his life, standing up for us, defending us in our lives.  No matter where we are, no matter what is happening – the Good Shepherd is right there for us.  As you think about your life circumstances picture the Good Shepherd with you at all times.  If something is troubling you – the Shepherd is there.  If your work is frustrating you – the Shepherd is there.  If there is conflict in your family, or at work, or in the neighborhood – the Shepherd is there.  Jesus didn’t just come down, live, die, and go back to Heaven.  He, through the person of the Holy Spirit, remains with us always.  God is always there to be the shepherd and guardian of our soul.

2)  The image of “sheep” is usually one of a meek animal.  However I think as God’s flock we are bold and brave sheep.  With the Good Shepherd as our Shepherd and Guardian we go forth into life, not in meekness, but with boldness in the name of Christ.  What does this mean?  It means when you face your life circumstances you can do so with the boldness and confidence that your Shepherd and Guardian is with you.  Frustrated at work?  Deal with it with confidence and faith.  Overwhelmed by troubles?  Face them head on with confidence.  Concerned about health? Finances? family life?  Deal with your concerns with the bold awareness that you deal with it, not on your own, but with the presence of the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul right there with you.

A famous picture of the Good Shepherd is Jesus with a lamb draped over his shoulder.  Perhaps a better picture might be the Shepherd leading the sheep into the pastures of life with boldness and courage.

My prayer for you this week is that what ever your life holds for you – you would face it together with the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul.

Normally I sign my letters “Blessings and Peace”  - however today …

Blessings and boldness, 

Pastor Paul