Chasing Truth™: Read the Bible Cover to CoverSample

Love for the Sheep

John 10:1-16

Sheep are beautiful creatures; gentle natured and soft. They are also vulnerable prey for enemies looking for opportunities. An experienced thief is sneaky and knows how to gain control to harm. The shepherd is the protector of the sheep. Where he leads the herd is important. Those in charge of sheep need to care for them and work to ensure their safety.

God cares about the flock. Those He calls to take charge of them must love and work to protect them. The original thief—Satan—is most damaging among human enemies. He seeks any opportunity to kill, steal, and destroy. Working to keep an eye on him while tending our sheepfold can seem exhausting, whether our sheep are a growing or struggling congregation, a classroom of middle school students, a herd of small children at home, or a ministry to the hurting in the inner city. 

To keep our hearts from growing cold or our will from wanting to “jump the fence and run,” we can connect to the Good Shepherd continually and ask Him to fill us with His deep love for the sheep. He loves to share His Spirit with us and wants our ministry for His sheepfold to succeed. 

What “sheepfold” are you currently responsible for? Are you full of God’s love for the “sheep?” Spend time with the Shepherd to ask for His help for your flock. Pray that He will give you a heart to love His sheep like He does.