Thought for October 17th. “… AND FIND PASTURE”

Today John carefully details for us the teaching of Jesus about the shepherd and the sheep.  How rewarding it is to meditate on his words.  Jesus is both “the good shepherd” and “the door” by which the sheep enter.  He says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and go in and out and find pasture.” [10 v.9]  His teaching is simple, yet profound at the same time; “I know my own and my own know me.” [v.14] 

How does this happen?  Do our minds properly grasp what he next says?   “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father …” For us to know in this sense is to be aware of the need to develop a relationship that leads to an increasingly intimate understanding of divine thoughts and ways. Meditate on the relationship Jesus had with his Father.   Jesus says the sheep “follow him, because they know his voice” [v.4].  

John and others were inspired [see ch 14 v.25,26] to remember and write down what they heard and their writings have been preserved for us; they are the place where we can “find pasture” today in a world that surrounds us with virulent harmful weeds that corrupt our minds if we give these weeds opportunity to take root and grow.  We must make sure we “find pasture” every day that will nourish our thinking and build up our spiritual wisdom. 

In finding pasture let us also find “rest.”  We live in days like Jeremiah who lamented, “I am weary … and I find no rest” and the LORD says, “I am bringing disaster upon all flesh …. But I will give you your life …” [45 v. 3,5]  We may feel like Jeremiah, if not now, then soon – so we need to treasure in our minds the words of our Lord, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matt 11 v.29] Let us make sure we do that today – and every day – “and find pasture” of the very best kind.