Did you know that God has many names? “Elohim” is one. It means mighty or strong. “Jehovah Jireh” is another, and it means the God who provides. In addition, God is called “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” and He is also called the “Good Shepherd”. These are just a few of His amazing names. 

I’ve often thought about how the Bible teaches that God is our Good Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Have you ever regarded yourself as a sheep? If we are like sheep, then how do sheep behave?  Sheep tend to wander, don’t they? They are defenseless, fearful, easily panicked, and not very smart at times. However, the shepherd protects them, watches over them, leads them to shelter, and provides for them. 

The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:12, “… If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.” 

Why is this so important? Because each one of us is that lost sheep. God loves you and me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die in our place. He cares so deeply for each one of us; He will seek us out like the Shepherd does for His lost sheep. He guards His sheep because His desire is that none are lost. 

Jesus Himself tells His disciple, Peter, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus tells Peter three times to feed His sheep. In John 21:15, we read, “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.” 

God, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, came to rescue you and provide  a way for you to know Him. He seeks out the lost so that they might  spend eternity with Him. And, He wants to use you to share this wonderful news with those who don’t yet know Him. 

How can I be a part of God’s mission? 

God wants you to know Him and have a relationship with Him. We do that by reading His Word and praying to Him daily. He wants you to tell others about Him. Some of us may feel like we’re not good enough to share this wonderful news with others. But, God can use anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior to glorify Himself. Your life message can be an encouragement to others. And if you think you can’t be used because you don’t have an education, or you’re not well-spoken, remember that some of the first people to learn of Christ’s birth were the Shepherds!

Luke 2:8-15 says, “and in the same region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’ When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” 

God can use you! 

Over and over again in Scripture, we see God use the least likely person. He takes the broken, the lost, the grieved, the hurting and transforms their lives. He used Peter, who lied. He used shepherds who were tending sheep. He can use you. 

 How do we share Christ’s mission? 

• Ask Jesus to show you where He wants you to serve Him.
• Get involved in your church.
• Pray daily for opportunities to share Christ with others.
• Share your story and how Christ has saved you with unbelieving friends and family.
• Use your gifts and talents to help others (perhaps through cooking a meal or helping repair someone’s home).
• Share a meal with the hurting.
• Pray with others.

Remember that as sheep, we need our Shepherd. So, ask God every day to help you follow closely the path He has for you.