“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, Just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.” John 10:14-16 CSB

In the parable of the Good Shepherd, Jesus tells us that He is our shepherd as well as the door or gate to enter by and be saved. Our Shepherd knows us and calls us by name. And we know His voice. Our Good Shepherd cares for us, His sheep, and leads us to green pastures. He gives us abundant lives.

Although this parable is familiar to most of us, I have to admit I never really caught the fact that I am considered one of the “other sheep.” How blessed to be included with the sheep of God’s chosen people. How amazing that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, laid down His life and took it back up, not just for the Jewish people, but for you and me and all who would believe in Him. How wonderful to be a follower of our Shepherd, Jesus. We are one flock with one Shepherd. We are all one with Him.

Our value is not based on our efforts or on anything we do. Our infinite value is based on whose we are. We have been chosen, called, to be the sheep of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and members of His “one flock.” Jesus laid down His life and took it up again so that we can be His.

This week consider your exalted place in God’s Kingdom. Listen for the Good Shepherd’s voice and follow Him.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me as we follow our Good Shepherd’s voice and are the sheep of His one flock.

Blessings and abundant lives!