June 6 Shepherd’s Good Protection

John 18:7-10 Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 “I told you that I am he,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” 9 This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”
 
JESUS said in John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father –  and I lay down my life for the sheep.” And he prayed in John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name –  the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one. Now as the temple guard is about to arrest him, Jesus is being the good, protecting Shepherd. And the Father is answering his prayer. The God Shepherd will stand between the authorities and his appointed apostles. God has a plan, and no earthly force will stop him.
   Amid the disciples’ denial, doubt and fear, Jesus intercedes between his followers and the guards. Peter’s violence is put aside as Jesus heals Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:51). Jesus calmed the emotional storm here as he calmed the sea in Mark 4:39-40 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus calmed the turmoil here. Jesus saved his disciples from the sea, and he saved them from harm on this dark night of evil in Jerusalem. The Good Shepherd protects.
   Do you believe Jesus’ protection is still very active for you and his church? He knows, of course, many forces will oppose you. Some opposition will be your own hesitations, doubts, worries and misunderstandings about your kingdom role. Other oppositions can be outward threats against you. Or people you call “friend” will ridicule or abandon you.
   Jesus, though, is your Good Shepherd, who has sent you his Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to inspire, empower and encourage you. Jesus’ half-brother James wrote to help us stay in Jesus’ protection: James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  
   You will be under God’s protection as you go near to God. Exceptional peace and faith will come to you as you draw more closely to God. James’ second sentence here speaks of reasons we are far from God. We are not as true to God as we must be when our ways keep us from God’s ways.
   Let’s know then, the power of Jesus’ protection over our lives. Let’s live in peace, expecting the Lord’s Good Shepherd leading. Be of confidence, knowing the holy God invites you to be near in heart, mind and soul to him.
   God has called you into a remarkable relationship with him. Be with him and know he is in you.
 
Prayer: You are my Good Shepherd, Jesus. I am at peace and confident in your power in me. Amen.