John 10: 1-14.
‘I am the good shepherd’ John 10:11,14
The pastoral community in New Testament times understood what Jesus meant when he told people that he’s, ‘The Good Shepherd’
Good Shepherds were herdsmen who truly cared, for their flocks.
Flocks were vulnerable. Rustlers crept around during the night looking for opportunities to sheep-steal. Wild, animals prowled in the darkness ready to pounce and devour the flocks for food. But ‘Good shepherds’ were determined to protect their sheep.
In Jesus’ day, shepherds were known to rest at night and lie down across the entrance of their sheepfolds guarding their livestock. Good shepherds lay down resting, nevertheless they were ready to defend the entrance to their fold.
Sheepfolds didn’t always have physical gates. They were merely open entrances. Shepherds were known to lay down across the open entrances of their folds.
Gates or open entrances? Eiether way at sunrise the good shepherds were present at the entrances to their folds. They were ready to do a day’s work and bring the sheep out of their fold and move them on to pasture.
Jesus’ phrase 'when he brings out his own sheep’ John 10: 4 is interesting.
brings out’ literally ‘cast out’
There’s a hint of helplessness of the sheep. Sheep can be stubborn. Sometimes timid. Sheep can be reluctant to cooperate with their shepherds. Therefore, some sheep must be pushed through the gates or the entrances of their folds.
Likewise, there are times when God must give his Christian sheep a little nudge to get us going in the right direction. Now and again we all need a bit of coaxing to come out of our comfort zone. The Good Shepherd gives His sheep gentle shoves, so they can be brought out of their routines and circumstances to go on to pastures new.
Don’t resist the divine nudge. Let God gently prompt you into a new area of service. God’s light (providential) pushes are guidance. Go with the flow into the fresh purpose which God has waiting for you.
