“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (NIV)
Who is the most loving person in your life? Where have you received the highest level of unconditional love? Perhaps someone specific comes to mind. It may be a person whom is now in heaven or someone who is still an active part of your life. Think about how that person imparted life to you and added value to your life.
I wanted you to feel that personal love in order to bring you into the sea of love exhibited by the Good Shepherd. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He willingly laid down His life for us. There has never been a greater love than that which Jesus demonstrated by His selfless life, sacrificial death, miraculous resurrection, and His visible upcoming return.
Jesus died voluntarily to do for us that which we could never do for ourselves. Jesus eliminated the vast gulf that separated us from our holy God. Jesus took the initiative to lay down His life so that we could come into a vibrant and eternal union with God.
- “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Pet. 2:24-25 (NIV)
Receive the Good Shepherd’s initiative. He has demolished the barrier that separates you from God. Jesus laid down His life and rose from the dead so that you could live in victory. Place your faith in His completed work on the cross and experience His victory. Now share the victory with others!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
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