The Good Shepherd

Sheepherding is not so common in Iowa.  Most of the farms that have livestock raise hogs and/or cattle.  I grew up on a farm, but we didn’t have sheep either.  Yet in Bible times, sheepherding was a common occupation.  Abraham had so many flocks of sheep that even the great Philistines were jealous of him.  Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, had countless flocks of sheep.  David, before he became king, grew up tending flocks on hillsides.  He later penned the famous Psalm 23.

It makes sense, then, that God would use the metaphors of “sheep and shepherds” when referring to God’s people and their leaders, in the Bible.  The problem was, Israel and Judah had so many bad “shepherds.”  Out of the 39 kings who ruled over Israel and Judah after King Solomon, 31 of them turned out to be evil – that is, bad “shepherds” of God’s people.  No wonder the words of Jesus, “I AM the Good Shepherd,” brought hope and healing to lost and broken people!

Have you ever felt you were wandering through life without direction?  Do you sometimes feel like a sheep, always looking for “greener grass” some place other than where you are now, but never really finding satisfaction?  Maybe you just feel lost in life!  The Good News is that Jesus has promised to be a Good Shepherd to all who hear his voice and follow him.  Our job isn’t to figure everything out in this life.  Our job as sheep is to simply follow and trust the Good Shepherd.

Invite your family and friends and join us for worship this Sunday, March 2, as we explore the meaning of Jesus’ words: “I AM the Good Shepherd.”  The message will comfort you.  The worship will inspire you.  The fellowship will warm you.  And, the Holy Spirit will heal you.  A Children’s Church and nursery space are provided for children.  Refreshments will be served following worship.  Would you listen and hear the Good Shepherd calling you this Sunday?  Please join us!