STUDIO The Simplicity & and Challenge of Following Christ
Why is it so challenging to do the simple things? As Christians we are followers and disciples of Christ. The call to follow Jesus is simple in its nature, yet quite challenging in what it requires.
It’s the space between desire, expectations, who we are, and the path God has for us.
One of the biggest challenges or tensions in this is who we are listening to, what we partner with, and ultimately what we choose while we are navigating the different textures of life. God made us dynamic with brains, hearts, desires, emotions, which all play a part in how we navigate choices and the unknowns.
One of the more intimate metaphors in the bible is when David writes about God being His shepherd. As a young boy David was a shepherd himself and he experienced what it was like to know, care for, and be responsible for his sheep. The 23rd Psalm comes out of personal experience as a shepherd and who David knew God to be.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Continuing in the shepherd theme, in John 10:14 Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.”
There is a unique relationship between the shepherd and the sheep: Sheep learn to trust a shepherd through recognizing his voice and scent, and understanding that he provides safety, food, and care.
Later on in vs 27 Jesus goes even further and says “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
As His followers, may we be fast to recognize and hear His voice. To be able to give thanks for His provision, even when it’s not what we were expecting or wanting. God is faithful and a Good Shepherd. We are His sheep and we are thankful for His presence, guidance, and restoration.
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Have a great week!