Devotion: The Good Shepherd
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 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. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for 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. No one takes[a] it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.” John 10:11-18
“Smile, You’re on Candid Camera.” If you’re old enough for the original Candid Camera you remember a man named Allen Funt, who used to come into our living rooms on, I think it was Sunday nights, and catch people in the act of their daily lives, oftentimes to their embarrassment. I don’t remember any particular show but I do remember my parents’ reactions. They would laugh at the antics until their sides hurt. The segments were always funny and never hurt anyone. We are a far cry from those days, aren’t we?
People think nothing of cutting you off in traffic. Or speeding to get in front of you. Or pushing their way in anywhere. It’s more than their actions as well. We have hurt people with our words. Possibly said things we wouldn’t have dared said four years ago. And even longer with some things regarding race, gender, religion, or any one of the many now-common words that have crept into every part of life. The example we have often set doesn’t look anything like the one our parents asked of us or showed us for that matter.
Sitting in church was difficult for me then and sometimes now (before COVID). I used to “fidget” as my mother termed it. I couldn’t sit still. Ask my cousins! But Mom never got mad. In fact, I used to sense when I was causing my mom frustration. I would look up at her, and she would slowly lower her chin and shake her head from side to side, barely moving. At which point, I knew to stop. I sensed her disapproval. Maybe that’s something we’ve lost over time. The ability to sense our behavior is hurting someone. Have we lost the ability to care? We seem so bent on having our way, convinced someone else doesn’t know what they are talking about, we’ve forgotten how to listen.
We’ve forgotten so many of the examples Christ has taught us from the beginning of His ministry but even more than that, have we forgotten the words and actions of Jesus himself? Pastor Eric reminded us of Jesus’ kindness, compassion, and words of encouragement and forgiveness. That words and actions can actually change people’s lives. He reminded us of how Matthew the Tax Collector, and Simon the Zealot hated each other, but over time and Christ’s example they learned patience and compassion for each other actually healed each other’s hearts.
Some have even been afraid to speak for fear of setting off a storm of unkindness when dealing with anyone they meet. And we better not even get started with social media. We have set ourselves up for loneliness pitting one person against another solely based on the color of a person’s skin or what political party they belong to. It’s time to stop. Stop feeding into their behaviors. No one makes you be one way or another. It’s your choice. As Pastor Greg said weeks ago, you can decide, yourself, how you will react to unkindness.
Jesus is the Shepherd we can follow and should emulate. Jesus is the example of what God expects from his children just as our parents tried to set the examples for us. All we can do is try, but who knows who may be watching.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day and the opportunities it may bring. Chances to reflect the love, compassion and kindness Jesus showed every day. Knowing He’s always watching and listening, help us show your children the beauty of this life and what we can create in others. Let Christ be seen in me. Amen.
Written by Fran Baatz
Fran has been a life long member of Sheridan as the first baby girl to be baptized back in 1953 as her parents were charter members.
She loves to serve as a part of the Hospitality team as well as one of the Sheridan quilting teams. She is also a member of Lydia Circle.
Fran has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren she adores as well as her two daughters.