This week in “I Am” we will be reflecting on Jesus as our Good Shepherd from Psalms 23
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Sometimes the shepherd will break your legs. It is not necessarily an encouraging thought, but if he doesn’t, you could be in real harm. When sheep get prone to wander, they both frustrate the shepherd and put their own life in danger. It is said that as a last course of action, they will use their rod to break one of the wanders legs. What comes next is true grace. The caring shepherd will then mend the break, carry the sheep on his shoulders, and help it to learn to walk again. What an incredible picture. Sometimes what looks like cruelty is a show of loving protection. His discipline leads to growth if we let it.
There are some scary paths out there. Many of which we fail to recognize until it is too late. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus has tremendous vision to see the ends of each path. Sometimes when we are unable to choose wisely, He will break us. It takes a courageous faith to stand with Him through our discipline and humiliation, believing He knows better.
Lord, thank you for your discipline. Teach us to love your correction, knowing it will lead to a deeper understanding of your endless grace. Thank you for rescuing us from our perilous choices. Let us continue to make room for your movement in our lives.
Matt simon blog 