I'm sure that you've heard this line on a Friday night. "Do you know where your children are? God never has to ask that question because he knows everything about his children as well as where and what they are doing. Are you one of God's children?
His Word identifies us as "sheep" because he is our Shepherd. Good shepherd's lead the way for their sheep, out of danger, out of harms way and keep them huddled together in safety. Sheep also have a tendency to wander away and get into trouble. Does this remind you of anyone? Perhaps you're reminded of a few things that you would like to go back and do over again differently? "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 1 Cor 3:19
They are also restless and weak creatures who also need plenty of water. We need spiritual hunger and thirst that can only be filled by him. We cannot go without it. John 7:38 says: "He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water; In dry spells a sheep may not go to get water. They will surround a tree in a dry place or an empty water trough until they die of thirst. They need someone to lead them beside still water.
Now, here's an interesting fact! Sheep cannot get up by themselves. If they fall down or cast down themselves, then they will lay on their back with their feet in the air. They will die in this state, but the Shepherd picks them up and sets them back on their feet.
Certainly as I mentioned before, if sheep tend to wander away, they can also lose their sense of direction. However, the sheep know and recognize their shepherd's voice. As God's children, he calls us his sheep; Like the sheep, we can recognize our Shepherd's voice and no other master's voice. The voice of the shepherd brings comfort and security to the sheep. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Do you need to find your way today? Are you cast down? Have you heard his voice call you today? Let him pick you up and lead you into rest, beside still waters. Hear the Shepherd's voice today.
