Names of Christ: Who do you say that I am?

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 right paths
 for his name’s sake.

Psalm 2:1-3

What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.

Matthew 18:12-14

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

The role of a shepherd is critical in caring for a herd of sheep. The shepherd guides the sheep where to go for the best grazing and clean water. The shepherd guards the sheep and protects them from predators and harm. In a similar fashion, our Good Shepherd provides for us with blessings too innumerable to count (our family, food on our table, a roof over our head, friends who care about us, the very breath in our lungs, etc.) and protects us from temptations and trouble. Through Scriptures and people in our lives, God guides us and directs us to love our neighbors and care for one another. When we stray away from God’s ways, the Good Shepherd spares nothing to search after us and return us to the fold. May we be mindful of how God cares for us, leads us, and strengthens us to carry on.

Prayer

Good Shepherd, thank You for caring for us and seeking us out when we are lost. We praise You for guiding and guarding us throughout the day ahead. You lead us to abundance. May we be grateful and follow Your nudges into the paths You call us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.