Advent Devotionals: Day 13

In Ezekiel 34 you can read about the distinctions between “other” shepherds and “the good shepherd.” “Other” shepherds don’t strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring back what is driven away, nor seek the lost. Their attributes mirror the hireling in John 10 who flees when the wolf comes to harm the sheep. The shepherds of Jesus’ day would’ve understood the difference. They would’ve known that a good shepherd lays his body in front of the sheep gate to keep the wolves away.

When my kids were little I would try to shield and protect them from harm. As they grew, I tried to teach them how to recognize the wolves. But when they became adults I realized that ultimately their biggest need was to know the good shepherd. It was in knowing the Shepherd, staying close to Him, that they would be protected from the wolves.

There have been times when I wondered if I could follow through with saving my child’s life by offering mine. But when I think of eternity without the Lord, my love becomes one of reckless abandon. That’s why I love how Christ’s humanity was revealed in Matthew 26:39, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus wrestled with laying down His life but He chose death to save us.

John 15:13 - “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for Your great love. Thank you that You desire to protect us from the harm that is lurking around us, seeking to devour the good you desire for us. I pray You would use all to draw us to Yourself.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation