We were again having breakfast together at the Twelve Baskets Cafe. Stan asked me if I remembered when we had talked about Jesus being both Savior and Lord in our lives. I told him I did remember that Jesus is supposed to be both, not just Savior, but also Lord of my life in that I follow Him in obedience.
“Good remembering!” Stan exclaimed with a smile. He then added, “Earlier this morning I was focusing on this same subject from a little bit different perspective I’d like to talk about with you.”
“Whatcha got?” I responded.
“Jesus is both the Lamb and the Shepherd,” Stan replied. “It’s easy to see Him as only one, but He’s both, and that’s how He wants us to relate to Him.”
“Both Lamb and Shepherd? How so?”
“He’s the Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world,” Stan replied, “but He’s also the Shepherd we are to know and follow.”
“Oh,” I said, “He’s the Lamb who has saved me, but He’s also the Shepherd who’s to lead me as the Lord of my life. Is that it?”
“You got it, my friend,” Stan replied. “He’s the Lamb who’s also the Shepherd.”
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Bible verses to consider:
The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29.
I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me. John 10:14.
And why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. I confess that even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence because I have accepted what Jesus did as your Lamb who took away my sin, too often while I remain here I don’t allow Him to be my Shepherd who I follow. Please forgive the foolishness of accepting Him as the Lamb who saves, but not as the Shepherd who leads. Help me follow every step of your lead in truly following. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted what Jesus accomplished by being the lamb so you have life eternally with God, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with following the Shepherd? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to have Jesus as both the Lamb and the Shepherd in your life? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?