Daily Devotional
We Need the Good Shepherd
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:4-7
June 5, 2024
Ponder This
If you go to the circus, you might see a trained elephant, lion, tiger, horse, or dog. You’ve never seen trained sheep. Sheep can’t even find their way home. They’ll browse here, nibble there, eat here, and get further and further away until they’re lost. A dog can find his way home. A horse finds his way home. A cow can find her way home. But sheep just stray from home. That is so often the way we live: we get distracted and then with each distraction we stray from God. We need a shepherd.
Sheep are also defenseless. Think about it. A horse can run, a tiger can claw, a wolf can bite, a cat can scratch. What can sheep do? You may say, “Well, wait a minute. I’m strong. I’ve got finances.” No, we’re talking on a spiritual plane. Jesus says, in effect, “The devil’s coyotes are after you. The devil’s vultures are after you. The devil’s mountain lions are after you.” And you’ll not escape. Like sheep, we’re dumb and defenseless without Christ.
- What are some distractions that have impacted your walk with Christ?
- Why do we struggle to turn to Jesus when only He can guide and defend us?
Practice This
Pray and thank God for how He guides and defends you as Your Shepherd.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
