The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving refuge of His anointed. Psalm 28:8 NKJV

The Shepherd’s job is not an easy one. A good shepherd regularly risks his life for his sheep. He fights off wildlife, sheep thieves, and provides food and water. He even lies at the gate each night. This has a two-fold purpose. One is to keep wildlife and other dangers from entering the fold. The second, sheep are dumb and if the shepherd were not there, his sheep would wander off in the middle of night.

Jenny Smith in her book, Seriously God, discusses how each night the shepherd would check over each sheep for cuts, bruises and briars, which could result in infections or disease. His sole duty was to attend to his flock in all areas. Jenny however, discusses an ugly aspect of the shepherd not many talk about. The hired shepherd, when confronted with wildlife, would save His own life instead of risking it for the sheep. Even a good shepherd, who loved and tended his flock, had been known on occasion to sacrifice one of his sheep to save his own life. The one chosen would be considered “worthless” to the shepherd. This would most likely be the weakest and sickest, or even a lamb. Hence comes the saying, “throwing a lamb to the wolves.”

This is why Jesus is our Great Shepherd. He did more than risk His life for us. When it came to the decision of His life or His sheep, Jesus gave His life. Our Great Shepherd knows every aspect of us, His sheep. He knows every cut, bruise and scrape. He hears us when we cry out to Him. He knows our weaknesses. In spite of knowing every detail of each one of us (the good, bad, ugly and uglier), He, unlike the human shepherd, will never ever throw any of His sheep to the wolves. We are all of great worth in His eyes. There is not one considered “worthless” when it comes to the Great Shepherd.

Do you truly believe that you are of worth to the Great Shepherd? Yes, Jesus knows each and every cut, bruise, scrape and weakness we have. Nonetheless, He still chose to save us with His life and to not let one of His little lambs be thrown to the wolves. Stop today and thank Jesus for finding you worthy. We are truly worthy to the Great Shepherd.

Father, May we understand fully that You hear the voice of our supplications and find us worthy. May we thank You each day for seeing our worth in You and choosing to have relationship with us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.