Day 24 - Tuesday, March
24, 2020
Scripture
John
10:11-15
“I
am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The
hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the
wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the
flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares
nothing for the sheep. 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."
Comments &
Reflections
Recent
surveys suggest that the majority of people who quit their job is because of a
bad boss or manager. Think about that for a moment. The reason is not about
money. It's not about working conditions. It not because they got a better
opportunity. The majority leave because whoever is over them doesn't treat them
as a boss or manager should.
I have been part of the workforce now going on 45 years now. Those forty plus years have provided me with countless exposures to bosses and leadership styles, both good and bad. In fact, I'm confident it doesn't take decades of experience to detect the difference. We know pretty quickly because we can sense whether or not the person who is leading us cares about us.
In these words, Jesus recognizes the same reality. He admits that an uncaring God doesn't deserve loyalty. So he lays down the standard of care expected of a shepherd, and for God himself: A willingness to die for those under his care.
In our current circumstance, it would be easy for us to use that as evidence that God doesn't care. But just because we experience pain in our situation doesn't necessarily equate to God "not caring." God's love and concern extends far beyond our present context. Jesus is focused on our eternal future more so than our present one. He laid down his life for ours so we have everlasting life, not a comfortable earthly one.
I have been part of the workforce now going on 45 years now. Those forty plus years have provided me with countless exposures to bosses and leadership styles, both good and bad. In fact, I'm confident it doesn't take decades of experience to detect the difference. We know pretty quickly because we can sense whether or not the person who is leading us cares about us.
In these words, Jesus recognizes the same reality. He admits that an uncaring God doesn't deserve loyalty. So he lays down the standard of care expected of a shepherd, and for God himself: A willingness to die for those under his care.
In our current circumstance, it would be easy for us to use that as evidence that God doesn't care. But just because we experience pain in our situation doesn't necessarily equate to God "not caring." God's love and concern extends far beyond our present context. Jesus is focused on our eternal future more so than our present one. He laid down his life for ours so we have everlasting life, not a comfortable earthly one.
As
we step into another day of a life that has no previous parallel, recognize that
Jesus is watching over us. He loves us. He cares for us. He will not run away
from us just because trouble has appeared. Go through this day with confidence
because we have a good shepherd.
Prayer
Heavenly
Father, you are the good shepherd. You tell us that not even a hair will fall
from our head without your knowledge. In these times of uncertainty, give us your
peace and your presence. Reassure us of your goodness. Amen.
Keep the Faith ~ Art.
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