Jesus, Our Great Shepherd

Luke 15:3-7 (NIV) Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. John 10:27-30 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." Isaiah 53:6 (NIV) We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. Many times in the bible, we who are followers of Jesus, have been likened to sheep, and Jesus is our Great Shepherd. We are very similar to sheep in our behaviors. I have never owned any sheep or worked directly with them, but have become familiar with some of their characteristics, and now have a better understanding of why Jesus called us His sheep. Sheep are known to be very fearful and are often easily-panicked. The are also very gullible, and are easily influenced by their shepherd. Sheep are very helpless, and can die of starvation without the help from the shepherd. Sheep are also known to be 'creatures of habit' and are also known to require the most care of any of the livestock animals. Dear Friend, are you a central part of God's heavenbound flock of sheep, or have you gone astray? Are you in a 'rut' and are doing things your own way? Our Great Shepherd is continuously keeping watch over His flock, and loves each one so very much! He has promised you that you will have eternal life and that no one can snatch you from His tender loving care, if you will follow Him and listen to His voice. Won't you trust Him today? Blessings to You, Dave Henry