Date: April 19, 2026
Suggested Reading: John 10:1–18
Text: John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Faith That Trusts the Shepherd
There are moments when we feel uncertain about where we are going. The path ahead seems unclear, and the voices around us all claim to offer direction. Some promise safety. Others promise success. Still others tell us to trust ourselves above all else. Yet, when we listen closely, many of those voices lead only to confusion and fear.
We wander. We hesitate. We sometimes follow the wrong voice. That is the problem we face: we’re not always good at recognizing the Shepherd. We trust what sounds appealing rather than what is true. Left to ourselves we drift into danger, even when we think we are doing “just fine.”
Jesus speaks into that uncertainty with clarity and comfort. He doesn’t simply point out the right path. He declares, “I am the Good Shepherd.” He knows us. He calls us by name. Even more He lays down His life for us. At the cross He faced every danger we could never overcome, sin, death, and the devil and He defeated them for us.
This means our hope doesn’t depend on how well we navigate life. It depends on Him. Through His Holy Word, through Holy Baptism, through His Holy Supper, He continues to gather us, guide us, and keep us. We are not wandering alone. We belong to Him.
So when the noise of life grows loud, return to His voice. Listen again to His promises. There, you will find rest. The Shepherd who died for us now lives to lead us home.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, keep us close to Your voice and guard us from all that would lead us astray. Strengthen our faith and lead us safely home. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
The Shepherd’s voice is not the loudest—but it is always the truest.
Hymn: LSB 709 – The King of Love My Shepherd Is
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