Today’s WORD (Text) John 10:11-16
11/ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12/ The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13/ The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14/ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15/ just as the Fathers knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16/ 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.
Today’s Witness
In these few words Jesus emphasizes the very high standard to which he is sworn to protect all the sheep that are in his fold. The standard of care outlined by Jesus is not practiced or shared by all who are shepherds, leaders, or servants today whether in the Christian ministry or in public service. The good shepherd would lay down at night across the entryway to the sheep fold to prevent entry by wild animals or thieves. Predators would need to get pass the shepherd in order to get to the sheep. In so doing, the shepherd actually laid down his life to protect the sheep. We suffer from a crisis of leadership today, whether in communities of faith, or in secular, humanitarian, and governmental service. Persons in positions of authority are more concerned for their own survival, interests, welfare, and priorities than for the people they are obliged to serve and protect. When persons in positions of authority have a callous disregard for those under their watch care, it follows that our communities will become increasingly insecure and dangerous. Jesus set a high standard of leadership and service for those who would call ourselves shepherds. He does not run away or worry about the cost of doing what is right. Ultimately, God is the judge, and God knows when a servant is true or false, faithful or disloyal.
Today’s Invitation
Where in our society today do you see an urgent need for good shepherds possessing the character traits and attributes described by Jesus?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the example you set of the model shepherd long years ago. Our communities, cities, congregations, and larger world are in distress today not only due to the increase in predators, but also the decline of good shepherds. So many persons in our communities are weakened by the circumstances of life, vulnerable and susceptible to dangers of all kinds. Lord, please grant us shepherds after your own heart, who will lead, serve, and protect your people, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash
Today’s WORD (Text) John 10:11-16
11/ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12/ The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13/ The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14/ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15/ just as the Fathers knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16/ 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.
Today’s Witness
In these few words Jesus emphasizes the very high standard to which he is sworn to protect all the sheep that are in his fold. The standard of care outlined by Jesus is not practiced or shared by all who are shepherds, leaders, or servants today whether in the Christian ministry or in public service. The good shepherd would lay down at night across the entryway to the sheep fold to prevent entry by wild animals or thieves. Predators would need to get pass the shepherd in order to get to the sheep. In so doing, the shepherd actually laid down his life to protect the sheep. We suffer from a crisis of leadership today, whether in communities of faith, or in secular, humanitarian, and governmental service. Persons in positions of authority are more concerned for their own survival, interests, welfare, and priorities than for the people they are obliged to serve and protect. When persons in positions of authority have a callous disregard for those under their watch care, it follows that our communities will become increasingly insecure and dangerous. Jesus set a high standard of leadership and service for those who would call ourselves shepherds. He does not run away or worry about the cost of doing what is right. Ultimately, God is the judge, and God knows when a servant is true or false, faithful or disloyal.
Today’s Invitation
Where in our society today do you see an urgent need for good shepherds possessing the character traits and attributes described by Jesus?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the example you set of the model shepherd long years ago. Our communities, cities, congregations, and larger world are in distress today not only due to the increase in predators, but also the decline of good shepherds. So many persons in our communities are weakened by the circumstances of life, vulnerable and susceptible to dangers of all kinds. Lord, please grant us shepherds after your own heart, who will lead, serve, and protect your people, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash