The Parable of the Good Shepherd..Craig Denison Ministries

 The Parable of the Good Shepherd

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transformed by the powerful and captivating stories of Jesus.

Scripture: “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.” John 10:14-15

Devotional:               

Have you ever experienced a sense of grand perspective where you realize your smallness in comparison to the earth’s grandeur? Have you ever contemplated your small stature in light of how colossal the universe is? Every now and then, when I get a sense of my smallness I am overcome by the fear of being lost. I think, “Who will show me my path in this seemingly increasing world? Who will guide me through the various trials and changes that will undoubtedly come my way? Who will help me?”

One of my favorite metaphors in Scripture is God as the Good Shepherd. Jesus is the most equipped guide we could ever have. He holds all of creation in the palm of his hand, and yet he knows the number of hairs on our head. He is the God of the gigantic and a lover of every little detail about us. And he longs to lead us to safe pasture. As we look at the parable of God as the Good Shepherd today, allow your faith and affections to be stirred by God’s promise to guide you into the matchless life he has in store for you.

John 10:14-15 says, “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.” Jesus paved the way for us to enter into the most amazing pasture of all: the very presence of the living God.He laid down his life as our Good Shepherd that we might eat of the fruit of his death and resurrection. But God didn’t only lead us to heaven; he continually leads us as our Good Shepherd day in and day out.

In the famous Psalm 23 David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:1-6).

God’s staff is meant to comfort us. As our Good Shepherd he promises to lead us daily to the plans he has for us. That doesn’t always mean that we will be led out of “the valley of the shadow of death,” but that in the valley he will “prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Our great comfort is the fact that God will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). As Psalm 139:9-10 says, “If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” God is with us in times of trouble. He will protect us, provide for us, and lead us to still waters.

God longs to guide you today. What trouble is before you? Where do you need guidance? Where do you need help? God promises to be your Good Shepherd. You have the most high God on your side. You can trust in his leadership. Jesus was faithful to come and die so that you might have eternal life. If he was faithful to lead you to heaven, he will certainly lead you through whatever trial you are going through now.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Your God is a trustworthy Shepherd. Enter into prayer with expectancy that he will guide you perfectly and in his perfect timing. Cast your cares on him and trust him. Allow him to “make straight your paths” as you follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the idea of God as your Good Shepherd. Receive the truth of his promise to lead you and protect you.

“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.” John 10:14-15

“You have led in your steadfast love the people whom you have redeemed; you have guided them by your strength to your holy abode.” Exodus 15:13

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10

2. Where do you need his leadership today? Where do you need his protection? Cast your cares on his shoulders and receive the peace that comes from trusting in him.

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

3. Ask the Holy Spirit for leadership. Your God will directly guide you through trials. Trust in his leadership and follow whatever it is he tells you to do. If his word speaks directly to your situation, commit to obeying it! God promises to guide you as your Good Shepherd.

“This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” Psalm 48:14

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

Extended Reading: John 10

You Have Everything You Need..Rev. Kyle Norman

 You Have Everything You Need

By Rev. Kyle Norman

“God my Shepherd, I don’t need a thing” (Psalm 23:1, The Message)

When I was a boy, I could never understand Psalm 23. The opening verse, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want,” made no sense. I couldn’t understand why we didn’t want the Lord. Why were we praying about a Shepherd that we reject? I am embarrassed to admit how many years later, I learned what this verse means! In the context of Psalm 23, Want speaks not of desire but of need. Being “in want” describes insufficiency, a recognition that our lives do not contain the necessary survival resources. Thus, David recognized no lack in his life with the Lord. With the Lord as his Shepherd, David had everything he needed. Every line and image of this Psalm communicates this fundamental truth.

David wrote, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Has it ever occurred to you that the lamb is lying down in their dinner? Lush pastures are a smorgasbord for hungry sheep. Sheep don’t lie down in pastures. Instead, they graze, feast, and nourish their hungry stomachs. That is unless they are satisfied. If a sheep is fully satisfied, then the sheep will lie down. They do so because they don’t need to feed. The Lord has provided all they need.

Similarly, sheep only walk beside the quiet waters, which are cool and refreshing. David wrote that the shepherd “leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Instead of drinking the waters deeply to quench an inner thirst, David described his life as walking beside the waters. Isaiah later echoed this sentiment: “Come, all who are thirsty, come to the waters” (Isaiah 55:1). David need not come to the waters, only beside them. Why? Because he is no longer thirsty. David found the fountain of living water to refresh and restore his thirsty soul. David has everything he needs. Of course, such sentiments are easy to make when everything is ideal and blissful. When life is full of satisfaction and tranquility, it is easy to say that we lack no good thing. But what about when life turns dark?   What about when the pathways the Lord leads us upon enter valleys of the shadow of death? What is our response?

For David, his response was the same. Even in a place of darkness and struggle, where he felt the threat of death and the imposing onslaught of enemies, David still affirmed the Lord’s goodness upon him. He said, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” The darkened valley didn’t threaten David because he had everything he needed to walk through the plight. Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. Let us not, therefore, be afraid.” For David and us, the truth is clear: Death holds no power; it has no victory or sting because the Lord is present.

The Good Shepherd is with us. The Lord does not stand removed from troublesome places. But, even when surrounded by enemies dark and threatening, we are protected by the Lord’s presence. He spreads a tent of protection over us where no evil can conquer. He nourishes us in safety and anoints us with abundant healing. Yes, we may feel their taunts, and at times the enemies of our soul may seem uncomfortably close. But we need not fear. We have everything we need.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Psalm 23 is often read at funerals. The depiction of the shadow of death and the assurance that we shall “dwell in the house of the Lord, forever” makes it a fitting reading for these occasions. Yet the Psalm is not about death at all. David did not write this poem about his life beyond the grave. Instead, he wrote this Psalm to reflect on his life with the Lord and his assurance of God’s eternal presence. The Shepherd of our souls does not stand in eternity, waiting for us to arrive after life’s journey. Instead, the Lord walks with us through whatever terrain we find ourselves in. Whether we walk in the lush and blissful pastures of ease or struggle through the dark valleys of discouragement and discontent, the Lord’s presence is the same.

Let the words of this Psalm wash over you. Allow its truth to sink deep within. Psalm 23 is an assurance for your Christian life today. It speaks to God’s provision, protection, and presence over you. Whatever requirements you need to meet, the challenges or opportunities that lie before you will be provided. As followers of Jesus, the Shepherd is with you. There is nothing you lack. You have everything you need. 

Further reading:

• Psalm 23
• Deuteronomy 2:7
• 3 New Ways to Think about Psalm 23

The Way to Endure to the Finish Line..Mark Altrogge

 The Way to Endure to the Finish Line

By Mark Altrogge

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (HEB 12:1–2)

A couple of years ago I did the only athletic accomplishment in my life. I use the word “athletic” loosely. My son Stephen challenged me to run a half marathon, so I began training a couple months in advance. My only goal was to finish the race. I fully expected to come in last. Actually, I came in third from last—followed by a guy with a walker and a mom pushing her baby in a stroller. Just kidding. But the training and the race required endurance. And the last couple miles of the race were brutal for me. I got to the place where I would jog 10 steps then walk 10 steps, then repeat, gasping for air. The course passed through some woods, and finally I came to a clearing where I could see the finish line in the distance. So, I walked for a few minutes, then burst out of the woods and sprinted over the finish line. Stephen and a few others from the church who’d waited for me began to cheer as I pumped my fists in the air like Rocky. Since then, I’m happy to report I have jogged I think a total of two times.

The author of Hebrews compares our Christian life to a race that requires endurance. He uses the metaphor of a race, not a journey. A journey may be leisurely. We can take breaks, pull over to a rest stop, get a hotel room. But a race is all-out effort from start to finish. But how do we do this? By looking to Jesus, and imitating his example.

How did Jesus endure the horrific pain of the cross? By focusing on the JOY set before him—the joy he’d experience when he rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the throne of God. The joy he’d experience when the Father received him and gave him the Name above every names. The joy he’ll have when he celebrates the marriage supper of the lamb with the multitudes of those he redeemed from every tribe and tongue. Jesus didn’t focus on his pain or the injustice he experienced. He didn’t feel sorry for himself. We often tend to focus on our suffering. I’m not saying we should ignore our pain or put on a fake smile and say it doesn’t hurt. But sometimes we focus too much on our pain—why is this happening to me? Why do I have to go through this?

We need to keep resetting our gaze on the joy set before us. My dad used to tell long circuitous stories. You would mention something and it would trigger a memory for him. For example, once I said something about a candy bar. He launched into a story about traveling across the country and meeting this guy who had a truck and on and on and on, and I’d wonder, “Dad, where are you going with this?” until finally he came to the place where the guy discovered a whole truckload of Kit Kat Bars. I got distracted by the details, but Dad kept his eye on the goal.

So, keep setting your heart on the joy of seeing Jesus face to face and gazing on his splendor. The joy of Jesus wiping every tear from your eyes. The joy of Jesus rewarding you for every single act of obedience, every secret good deed you did, every glass of water you gave to a thirsty one, every dollar you ever gave to the poor, every hour you served in children’s ministry. Keep your eyes on the joy of hearing God say well done good and faithful servant. Keep your eyes on the joy of fellowshipping with Jesus at the marriage supper of the lamb. Remember the joy of having an imperishable body that will never get sick or suffer any pain. Keep your eyes on the joy of ruling and reigning with Jesus and the joy you’ll know when you’re reunited to loved ones who believed in Jesus.

A Prayer for the Motherless Mother This Mother's Day..Alicia Searl

 A Prayer for the Motherless Mother This Mother's Day

By Alicia Searl

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

One of my favorite memories of my mom is a simple sweet gesture she used to do when I was in high school. After a long and stressful day, I often went upstairs to find a cupcake placed perfectly on my bed. Sometimes it was accompanied by an endearing note. Now, mind you, this was all before cell phones. Unlike my teens today, I couldn’t text or call my mom to tell her I was having a bad day. Yet somehow, she knew and used a sweet treat to connect with me. Of course, I never told her “thank you” or offered her anything in return.

Fast forward several decades, and here I am with three daughters of my own, two of which are teens. I can assure you they don’t get cupcakes on their beds, as most days I am doing my best to get by, stumbling through mom life. Between softball tournaments and choir performances, I can barely breathe. On any given day, several teens flood my home and my pantry, reminding me I never have enough groceries. My seven-year-old knows how to twerk and can perform several TikTok dances. Yep, not sure I am doing this whole mom thing too well.

The truth is, I need my mom. I want her here to tell me how to do this! Being a mom without her wisdom, comfort, guidance, and encouragement is hard. Really, really, hard. My heart grows heavy as we come to a holiday that recognizes mothers. This will be the second Mother’s Day without my sweet momma. It almost feels surreal. I want to call her and ask if she wants to go to lunch. The thought has crossed my mind, but then I’m reminded she won’t pick up.

Maybe you understand? If you do, I am so, so sorry. I know those words don’t mean much and perhaps even sound disingenuous coming from someone across this screen. But the truth is that I wish I had the right words. I wish I could prepare your heart for a holiday that brings joy and pain. I wish I could hear the stories of your mom and offer you a genuine hug. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but that wouldn’t necessarily be true. God hears your words and welcomes the pain deep in your heart. So, as you head into this holiday, share your heart (and hurt) with your Father. He will listen. 

Let’s pray:
Faithful Father,

I want to lift up the mom missing her beloved momma this Mother’s Day. This day will be hard, as it is forever different for her. She wants to celebrate, but mixed emotions emerge as memories flood her heart. Her heart is heavy. Hurt now plagues a day that was once cherished. So, Lord, I ask that you draw close. Be with her and grant her comfort that only You can provide. Remind her of the sweet promise of Your unfailing love for her. Tuck precious memories within her heart that will bring joy and grant her the freedom to let go of any pain from the past. Help her find safe refuge in You as she gives herself the grace to heal and space to grieve as needed.

Father, grant her unexplainable peace that will lead the way to seek the courage to celebrate herself. Provide ways for her family to make her feel special by touching her heart and reminding her of the beautiful calling You have graciously given her as a mother. You are a faithful and good Father, and we thank you for the gift of our mothers. We thank you for their presence and impact in and on our lives. Allow us to find hope and healing as we seek to live out their beautiful legacy. We ask all these things in Your Holy and Precious Name. Amen.