Guest Post by Author Nancy Lewis-Shelton
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep…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. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.” (John 10:11-17 NRSV)
I have never owned sheep, but several years ago my farmer friend, Gene, raised them. When my daughter called me to ask, “Do you know anyone who wants a sheep dog?” I hesitated. She had rescued a Great Pyrenees. I didn’t think my friend would take the dog, but I decided to check with him. I was wrong. The next weekend, I drove to my daughter’s home to transport eighteen-month-old Belle to Gene’s farm. From the moment he introduced the Pyrenees to his sheep until her death, she didn’t leave them. Belle was patient and kind but firm when one strayed. When I visited Gene, he’d call her. She came to greet me as long as the sheep were within her view. Never again did my friend lose a lamb to coyotes or other predators.
In the same way Belle watched her sheep, Jesus watches over me. He knows, protects, and gives guidance to those who are lost. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it?” (Luke 15:4).
Do you know the Shepherd personally? Then find rest in the knowledge that He is always watching over you. He will not let you out of His sight nor out of His care.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your constant presence as you lead and protect me. Help me to dwell in peace, knowing you are always watching over me. Amen.
Thought: “Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Savior, your guide? If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.” Elisabeth Elliot
Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include: church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.