Devotion Archive

Week of January 25, 2010

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:14, 27-28

These words from the book of John are some of my favorite in the Bible.  For the next number of Screenside Chats, I would like to look at the beautiful pictures that Jesus shows us in these words, focusing on a different picture each week. 

The phrases “I know what you are feeling” or “I know what you are going through” may be some of the most inaccurate, even if well intentioned, phrases in our language. 

You can’t fully know what I am feeling, because you don’t have a direct connection to my mind or emotions.  I can’t fully know what you are feeling, because I can’t be you.  Each of is unique.  None of us can fully see into the thoughts and feelings of another.

But think about what your Good Shepherd Jesus says in the words above: “I know my sheep.”  With those words, he is not saying that he simply knows he has sheep out there.  He is not saying that he is aware of your presence or merely knows your name.  He is saying that he fully, completely, and perfectly knows what you are thinking and feeling.  And he really does . . . because he is really God!

Now at first glance, that might not actually seem so comforting.  God knows completely everything that I do, say, think, and feel?  Yikes!  There is some stuff that I would rather not have him see or know!

But because your Good Shepherd Jesus gave his life to pay for every sin of action, word, thought, and emotion, these words are beautiful.  As true God, Jesus is able to see exactly what is going on inside of you.  Exactly where you are hurting or hoping.  Exactly where you need encouragement or restraint. 

He is able to see exactly how to love you best.  And because your Good Shepherd Jesus gave his life for you, you can be confident that he will keep his promise to love you in the best ways possible.  He will make all things work out for your good.  He will know just what to do for you.  After all, he knows you!

Known and loved by our Good Shepherd, just like you,

Pastor Jon Bergemann

Weekly Devotions are taken from Trinity's“Screenside Chat”, a weekly email devotion and newsletter from Pastor Bergemann designed to give you a spiritual boost from your Savior while keeping you connected to your Trinity family. 

Contact Pastor Jon Bergemann if you are interested in knowing more about Trinity Lutheran Church.

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