Page 25 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson

RADICAL LOVE

Psalm 100:3 says that he is our Shepherd and we are the sheep of his

pasture. Isaiah 40:11 (ESV) reads: “He will tend his flock like a
shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arm; he will carry them in his

bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

If we are His sheep, then we are totally dependent on Him for our

comfort and well-being, our protection, our health, our safety, the

direction for our lives, and our peace. As our Shepherd, it is his sole
responsibility to look after us.

In John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the ‘Good Shepherd’,
verses 7-15 discuss Jesus being the gate for the sheep. Did you know

that in the days of Jesus’ listeners, shepherds literally lay themselves

down across the entrance to the sheep pen, and their bodies were used
as ‘protective gates’ against predators? What a beautiful example this

is to illustrate the depth of His love and concern for us.

Nevertheless, we also have a role to play in remaining safe, and that is

to listen for His voice and instructions. You see, sheep are not the

wisest of creatures; in fact, quite the opposite. They are quite stupid
animals who are easily frightened. These animals are also extremely

vulnerable to predators and, therefore, highly dependent on them. They
need the guidance and security of their shepherd if they are to keep out

of harm’s way.

The chief enemy of the sheep is the wolf (Satan), whose aim is to scatter

the sheep and isolate them from the Shepherd, so that he has the

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