Today is January 20th

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John chapter 10.

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

What image comes to mind when you think of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? Jesus with a little lamb over his shoulder in a idyllic green pasture, with a big smile on his face? That’s not the image in today’s reading. It’s a dangerous picture, with wolves intent on killing the sheep. What does this image tell you about what it means to be a follower of Christ? What are the dangers around you?

The Good Shepherd is the one who defends the sheep, even at the cost of his life. Jesus laid down his life on the cross for you to save you from many dangers to your soul. And he continues to protect you today. As you hear the passage again, can you thank Jesus for all of the ways that he defends and protects you?

John 10:11-16
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he
abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

As we close our time today, pray for the sheep that are not yet gathered in. Bring before the Good Shepherd one person that’s not yet under his care and protection.

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Music Credit:
Good Shepherd (Lead On) - Vineyard Worship/David Ruis
GOOD SHEPHERD (LEAD ON) [Official Lyric Video] | Vineyard Worship feat. David Ruis