I Am the Good Shepherd

I was able to spend and a little time art journaling in my Bible yesterday. 

I wanted to capture John 10:14-15-- “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Being wife to a pastor has provided first hand lessons about sheep. My husband has a gift for shepherding and all that calling entails. He is compassionate and merciful, and a very good leader. He is loyal to a flock. He loves his sheep. Some sheep follow, some stray. Still he will shepherd as long as someone wants a good shepherd. I've seen him sacrifice a great deal just to lead a flock of sheep.

This verse talks about the Good Shepherd--Jesus, and how much He loves His sheep. He knows His sheep--thoroughly, deeply, perfectly. He knows their hearts and what they are thinking before they think it. And He guides with His rod and staff prodding His sheep to green pastures. I know sheep can be difficult, stubborn. Jesus never gives up on His sheep...never abandons them, and always protects the flock. Those who are truly His sheep will listen to His voice and they will follow Him.

I love the analogy of the Good Shepherd. It reminds me that I am constantly watched and that I'm being guided by someone who really knows me. I want to be a good listener. I want to know and be able to hear His voice above the din of all other voices. I know in my heart and my head that He sacrificed His life so that I may always abide in His flock and find safety in His good and green pastures. I might need a little prodding with His staff now and then, but I trust He will continue to guide me. Nothing nor no one can snatch me out of that flock. I'm His and He is mine.

One of the most powerful verses in the larger passage here also says, "The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (John 10:17-18)  Jesus was never a victim.  He willingly submitted to a torturous death on our behalf...because He loved us.  He had ultimate authority OVER all that happened to Him.  Satan had no victory...ever.  Not even for one second.  Jesus was in complete control as He submitted to His father's will and to the hands of evil people. 

I've used acrylic paints, water-based ink, and several Sweet n Sassy stamps for my stamped words. Other lettering and the sheep are hand-drawn.  The sheep were actually images from my store, Daydream Designs, when it was open. So I'm glad I can find ways to keep using them.

I love the Creative Worship sets from SNSS because you can mix and match words for so many scriptures. I used: Perfect Faith, God is Good, and Words of Life 2. I have several sets and David said he would sit with me and brainstorm as many verses as we can with all the sets from SNSS I have....and more are coming!!!

I'll be posting on the Creative Worship blog next week. Hope you come and visit while I'm there.