I raise sheep. They are fascinating creatures. They truly want to be led, they crave a Shepherd. Without someone to follow, they grow nervous, afraid, anxious. Their health fails from stress. They bounce from point to point aimlessly seeking something they know not what.

Just like humans. Most people feel lost and afraid if they must stand alone, make their own choice. They much prefer to decide WHO to follow, not what path to take. People want a leader, a strong respected leader. They want it so much that they would willingly be deceived by a strong leader rather than figure out their own path.

Jesus saw the people stressed, lost, anxious. They had no leader, no one they could trust. Even the church had let them down. The leaders of the church were more worried about the rules, their own appearances, the finances, and the numbers than the people themselves. The people in the church were but a means to an end for the leaders.

Much like today. Pastors worry about numbers, finances, tradition, appearances… And the flock wanders around stressed and afraid with no true leader. They have no direction, no faith, no peace. Churches are filled with empty… Empty promises, empty lives, empty theology.

The answer is the same today as it was back then… The answer is Jesus! Forget the things we tend to cling to and just cling to Jesus! Life isn’t about the church, life is about serving God through following Jesus. It’s all Him.

So relax, Jesus is still here watching over you. It may not seem like it, but it’s true. He will never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what. Turn to Him as the Shepherd, not a man, not even a preacher. The best preacher in the world can’t hold a candle to Jesus himself.

Don’t be lost, scared, unsure. Instead turn to Jesus directly. You and Him. Let him be your Shepherd, follow Him. He holds the keys to heaven but here and now, as well as the future.

Trust Jesus, and walk in His light. He is the Good Shepherd.