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By Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock –
As my wife and I have been traveling the Western territory this spring, we have sometimes seen small flocks of sheep in the fields along the highway. Often, they will be tended by a shepherd, who lives in a little sheepherder’s trailer parked on the edge of the field. Some of the scenes are reminiscent of scenes we have seen in Israel and which are spoken about so often in the Bible!
In John 10, Jesus teaches many lessons about the shepherd and his flock. He is the Good Shepherd, and when his sheep hear his voice they follow him. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.
My wife and I have been using for our morning devotions a book by Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, Silent Strength. One of the readings tells of a little girl who was fast asleep. “When her mother and father checked in on her before they retired, they noticed a serene look on her sleeping face. They also saw that she had one hand clutched around the forefinger of her other hand. At breakfast they asked her why she fell asleep with her forefinger held so tightly.
” ‘Well,’ she responded, ‘I repeat the 23rd Psalm before I go to sleep, like you have taught me. I keep saying it over and over again: “The Lord is my Shepherd.” That’s five words–I start counting with my little finger, and when I reach the word “my,” I’m at my forefinger. I like “my” best of all! He is my shepherd!’ ”
“My Shepherd!” I’m glad he is “my Shepherd.”
My Uncle, Edward, was a farmer all his life. He was promoted to Glory this last year. He grew alfalfa, corn, strawberries and many other crops. Over the years, he raised and cared for cattle, dairy cows, pigs and chickens, but it was sheep that were his first love. When he retired and sold his farm to my cousins, he still retained a small field or two, just so he could raise his sheep.
He was not only a farmer, but a shepherd. His sheep kept him home. He rarely took a vacation because of the care that the sheep required, but he never complained. He loved his sheep. Just so, our Good Shepherd loves us.
My wife and I have viewed the video, “Babe” with our grandchildren. The story wasn’t just about a pig, it was about sheep too!
Some of the writers who have discussed sheep have noted how dumb they are, how smelly and prone to picking up all sorts of diseases. They are lovable when they are small and cuddly, but when they grow up they can require almost as much care as a baby. And some develop nasty dispositions! How much like sheep are you and I! Isn’t it amazing, that in spite of our weaknesses, the Good Shepherd still loves and cares for us!
And what care he gives us! He laid down his life for us. He protects us from harm and he gives us eternal life. Yes, Jesus is my Shepherd. And he can be yours, too!
“I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (John 10:10b The Message)
We have been so grateful for the many cards and letters assuring us of prayer during my recent physical problems. The infection is nearly gone, and we have not had to cancel any of our Crusades. We have been so strengthened and uplifted by your prayers! God is Good! He is not only the Good Shepherd, he is the Great Physician too!