John 10:11-18
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 Father 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. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18 No one takes 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.”
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The fourth Sunday of Eastertide is always Good Shepherd Sunday. Chances are, you'll hear the words "sheep" and "shepherd" countless times today! I studied abroad in Ireland for a month one summer and I had to have seen thousands of sheep grazing all over the rolling, emerald green hills. They always seemed so picturesque, like they belonged there, and content, like they knew they belonged there. Sheep have a reputation of being rather doltish, though they simply prefer being led. Being an obedient follower is anything but doltish!
Jesus is our good shepherd, which meanas he leads us to accpet the inherent, God-given goodness each of us was born with. We can and should take comfort in being like sheep who just want to be led. The word "pastoral" has two meanings: one is related to the keeping of sheep or cattle, and one is related to the duty of a clergyperson. A pastor's role is to direct everyone's devotion and attention to Christ, which means all pastors are united in mission. We are one flock led by the one shepherd, and he is Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Going Forth Prayer: Lord, in this season of change, help us to be content with where and how we're led anew, all to your glory. Amen.
