lead us shepherd John 10:11-18, 1 John 3:16-24

My big lesson this Easter Season has been to pay attention not to how resurrection happens but to who is rising and who is resurrecting.  This week I'd encourage anyone looking for resurrection hope to look for evidence of Jesus work as shepherd leading and guiding his body, the whole church on earth, through the struggles and pitfalls into his presence.

In John 10 Jesus speaks of others who would serve the sheep for a time who will run for fear of the wolf John 10:12.  Jesus won't run; rather he came to gather Israel's lost and then He came to gather even more.  When we hear Jesus speak of his mission not only to Israel but to others we see the full plan of salvation.  Jesus came to save and to reach into the world to save even more John 10:16.  The good news of Easter reminds us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who won't run away for fear of death but will give all laying down even his own life John 10:17-18.

Let us follow the shepherd.  Let us step into the world in truth and action not just words 1 John 3:18-19.  We are blessed today to be witnesses of mercy not so much in what we say but in what we do showing the world the love that the shepherd has for all.

Peace.  John.