Following the Shepherd

“More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn't be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them but you truly love them."

Following Jesus is meant to be an adventure. The journey is unpredictable, full of unexpected detours- sometimes distractions and dangers too- but we can have confidence in the One who's leading the way. He's the good shepherd. He looks back and asks us whether we're willing to follow him wherever he chooses to take us.

"I want to play my part in turning the world upside down; I want to be fearless, bold, uncompromising and passionate in reaching out to the lost on behalf of the King of Kings; I never want to get over the grace of God; I want to be prepared to follow Jesus wherever he went; and I invite you to join in this pursuit... If Jesus Christ is God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him."

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads..." Isaiah 40:11

"Hear the word of the Lord, O Nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd." Jeremiah 31:10

"I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me where thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:7-11

" I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father- and I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10: 14-15