17/08/2023 - COMPLETE GOOD SHEPHERD

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I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. John 10.14

Our Savior is complete in everything, for once He paid the price of our salvation, He does not leave us vulnerable to our own fate. He declares Himself to be our good Shepherd, so that our hearts will never waver nor be filled with the lies of the devil, who is always looking for a loophole to do us harm. Surely, the Lord will supply our needs, just as the shepherds of the sheep do with their flock (Psalm 23.1).

The heavenly Father wants the best for each of His children, His sheep. So, aware of this, never let the adversary fill your mind with worries, saying that nothing is certain in the faith, or sowing other doubts. In fact, we have not yet enjoyed the best of the eternal God, but the more we learn, the better we will live. Understand: we have a duty to experience the biblical promises. Thus, the Father will be glorified in Christ Jesus!

The Most High showed His ability to lead the people when He led them to walk in the desert for 40 years. In that place, there was no planting or harvesting, but through His faithfulness and His love, day after day, God sent the manna that fed them perfectly, not only satisfying their hunger, but also providing the nutrients for more than three million people (Exodus 16.35; Deuteronomy 2.7). In the entire journey, there was no epidemic that killed thousands of them. Believe it!

Besides this care, the Hebrew people had no need for water, except when they sinned. Then, in desperation, they would ask for the precious liquid. Moses miraculously managed to quench their thirst, and the problem was solved. There were two kinds of manna, with the same essence. From Sunday to Thursday, this supply was given to be consumed on the same day. Thus, whoever accumulated it for two days noticed that the food spoiled; only Friday’s food could be picked to be eaten on that day and on the Sabbath.

The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the desert, because they didn’t believe the Word of the Lord, when He told them to go up the mountains of the Amorites and take them. Instead of obeying God, they asked that spies be sent to confirm if the land was as the Most High had said. This is serious! And how could it not be, if He had promised to give them the best land in those areas flowing with milk and honey? (Deuteronomy 1.19-22).

Jesus knows all His sheep; therefore, our thoughts and our heart’s intentions are clear to Him. The Master knew us even before we were conceived in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139.13). Nothing is hidden from the Lord, even our longings are before Him. We err so much when lusting after the wrong things, or nourishing our minds with evil desires.

The Lord is also known for His sheep. This is true from the moment we hear the Gospel. After all, Jesus is the Word of God revealed to us. Now, by learning all that the Bible says about Him, our knowledge increases greatly. So read the Holy Scriptures daily and meditate on them. He is our Redeemer!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares