Weekend, August 3, 2024

　　The Shepherd’s Desire

　　“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” (John 10:10 NLT)

　　What is the desire of the Good Shepherd for His sheep? His desire for His flock is for them to flourish. He wants them to be well-fed and cared for. He wants them to be content and satisfied.

　　Jesus said, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11 NLT).

　　However, this abundant life that Jesus spoke of may not necessarily be a long one. But it certainly is a full one. Medical science has had breakthroughs of late that might extend our lives. But only Jesus Christ can add life to our years.

　　It is the Good Shepherd’s joy to lead us to “green meadows” and “beside peaceful streams” (see Psalm 23:2 NLT). Jesus not only promises life beyond the grave. He also said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 nlt). Thus, like David we can say, “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (Psalm 23:1 NLT).

　　Contentment is a great thing to have in our lives. The apostle Paul said, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT).

　　It isn’t the idea of being content because we have a lot; rather, it’s being content regardless of what we have. As followers of Jesus Christ, our contentment doesn’t come from what we have; it comes from Who we know.

　　We know this is true because there are so many miserable, wealthy people in the world today. We read about them all the time. Their lives are falling apart. Their marriages are falling apart. They’re battling addictions. And they are not content.

　　But we can find contentment in a relationship with the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32 NLT).

　　And Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you’ ” (NLT).

　　God isn’t austere and angry and reluctant to work in our lives. He loves us and has a tender heart toward us. And it gives Him pleasure to give to us His kingdom and His blessing.

　　When you put your trust in Christ, not only does He forgive you of your sins, but He also puts His righteousness in your spiritual account, so to speak. Your account is full. And everything you need to live a full and productive life is there in a relationship with God.

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