July 9________________________________________
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
– John 10:11 (NLT)
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
A poem and essay by ILMA
Christ is the good shepherd who loves his herd
He never allows them to be lost or hurt
Jesus sacrificed his life for his sheep
He wants them saved and never drift.
The good shepherd knows each of his flock
He cares for them and watches their back
He will lead them to greener pastures
He will protect and guide them so they’ll be pure.
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The duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact, protect it from predators and guide it to market areas in time for shearing. In ancient times, shepherds also commonly milked their sheep, and made cheese from this milk; few shepherds still do this today. Unlike farmers, shepherds were often wage earners, being paid to watch the sheep of others. Shepherds were most often the younger sons of farming peasants who did not inherit any land. In other societies, each family would have a family member to shepherd its flock, often a child, youth or an elder who couldn’t help much with harder work.
David was a shepherd and played the harp very well. He won the fight with Goliath and later anointed as king. The bible emphasizes the role of shepherds and how they sacrifice their lives for the flock. Christ sacrificed his life for us, his sheep.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your sacrifice.
REFLECTION
Relate a time when you sacrificed for someone else’s benefit.
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com