John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus, the king of love, the good shepherd he is the one caring for you. He did not send in a replacement when Good Friday came and he was to be hung on a tree. He took care of things and he continues to take care of us.
Luke 15:4-7
[Jesus said] “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders rejoicing. And when he comes home he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
He goes to lengths to get to us. As the hymn says we are foolish but God is wise. When we don’t even realize we need the shepherd he is searching for us. At just the right time he found each of us. And when he finds the sheep he does not drag them home through the mud and rocks instead he puts that sheep on his shoulder. He rejoices over it all! He wants everyone in heaven to rejoice with him because one of His sheep has been found.
Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
When we celebrate Christmas we celebrate the day that the Shepherd became like one of his sheep. He took on human form. He did all the things that his sheep do, he experienced all the temptations that his sheep face, yet he did not give in to temptation. Instead of giving into temptation he gave himself up as our sacrifice on the cross. One day when we lose our life here on earth we will get to see the Lamb, as our shepherd. We will be quenched by the water he provides and we will not experience death and decay anymore.
Sometimes the lyrics and the scripture speaks for itself so I am not going to say much. Take this away with you today:
Loved In Spite of Self 