For
the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he
will lead them to springs of living water. And God will
wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17
The key name used for Jesus
in Revelation is the Lamb. Yet, in Revelation 7:17 Jesus the Lamb becomes the
Shepherd. He, who laid down His life to offer forgiveness and eternal life to
believers, goes ahead of His own as their guide, provider and protector.
Jesus described Himself as
the good Shepherd. I have come that they
may have life, and have it to the full…The good shepherd lays down his life for
the sheep (John 10:10-11). He calls
his own sheep by name…he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him
because they know his voice (John 10: 3-4).
The eastern shepherd has a
close relationship with his sheep. He lives with his sheep and tenderly cares
for them. He knows each sheep, and the sheep know him. They recognize and
follow his voice, for they know the shepherd can be trusted.
Does this describe your
relationship with Jesus? As the Lamb, He died to save you. As the good Shepherd
He longs to lead you to abundant life. He knows you better than you know
yourself and loves you more than anyone ever has or ever will. How well do you
know Him and recognize His voice? Are you following Him closely?
Recently I washed my
oriental rug. As it was drying, my house smelled like a herd of wet sheep. That
smell made me keenly aware that at times I am a smelly sheep because of sin or
worldliness. Does my Shepherd want to cast me outside, like I wanted to cast my
rug outside? No. Instead He lovingly draws me near, cleanses me of sin and
restores sweet fellowship with Him. Do you perhaps smell a bit like a wet
sheep? The loving, good Shepherd is waiting to cleanse you and draw you near.
I praise You, Good Shepherd Lamb, as Savior, Guide,
Provider and Protector.
Jan Burkhart
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