Personal Savior

10-15-2010

Personal Savior by Boyd Bailey


“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want” Psalm 23:1

Good shepherds know their sheep up close and personal. There is a commitment to care for their needs and protect their interests. A loving shepherd longs to be with his sheep, to know and understand them, and to care for them the best he can. His individual and personal attention is security to the vulnerable sheep. A caring shepherd brings his sheep peace.

In a similar way, Jesus Christ shepherds the souls of His sheep. The Lord is large and in charge, but He also knows the names and feels the emotions of His followers. He is the Great Shepherd, and He is also the Good Shepherd. He rules the world, and He also rules over individual hearts. The Lord personally shepherds saved souls with patient love.

“You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD” (Ezekiel 34:31). He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him.

Is the Lord my shepherd? By faith, have I entered into a personal relationship with my God? Or, am I a lone sheep that has wandered from the flock of faith? If He is not your shepherd or if you have drifted away, your Savior Jesus is waiting to bring you into the fold of His faithfulness. Let the Lord lift you onto His secure shoulders and carry you into His caring community. To survive sheep need each other and a trustworthy shepherd.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus saves us from sin.

There are no healthy desires your Shepherd does not fulfill. Do you need forgiveness? He forgives you. Do you long for love? He loves you. Do wish not to worry? He gives you peace. Are you afraid? He protects you. Are you confused? He clarifies with godly counsel and with His holy word, the Bible. Are you alone? He walks with you forever.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15).

Therefore, listen intently to the voice of your sensitive Shepherd Jesus. He longs to lead you along His providential path. There will be tests and unknowns along the way, but fear only God and rest in His reassuring presence. He will lead you to His best, to the destination He has determined for you. Follow your Shepherd and personal savior Jesus.

“Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:25-27).

Is Jesus my personal Savior? Do I trust and follow Him as the Shepherd over my life?

Related Readings: Psalm 100:3; Ezekiel 34:11-15; Romans 8:35-37; 1 Peter 2:25