The Good Shepherd and the thief

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

            Answer this question for me: What is abundance? What might be some examples of having something in abundance? Surplus? Overflow? Riches? Security? Purpose?

            You may not be feeling like you’re wallowing in the abundant life right now. Pain and suffering and loss are rampant in this world because of sin. In this section of Scripture Jesus uses the imagery of Himself as the Good Shepherd, His beloved as sheep, and Satan as a sheep thief. Satan’s desire is to latch onto suffering and loss and use them to drive us from our Good Shepherd. He is a thief, a wolf, and the father of lies and deception. When he tries to get into the pasture to attack us, the Lord’s sheep, he tells our hearts falsehoods such as, “God must be punishing me,” “God must not really love me or I wouldn’t be facing this,” and “He has forsaken me. I am truly alone in my suffering.” At times like these when the shock, fear, and pain of loss threaten to overwhelm us, the thief’s voice can all too easily seep into the fabric of our souls, into the inner workings of our hearts. Satan wants to choke off the abundant life Christ has given us.

            But God’s Word tells us that we are not left in the sheepfold alone. Satan’s voice, however alluring and with however much sense it may seem to make at times, comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus blatantly says throughout John 10 and especially in verse 10 that His entire purpose in leaving the glory of heaven, living among sinners like us, suffering, dying, and rising from the grave was motivated by love to give us life. And not just some ho-hum pseudo life, or a life without hope of healing or the future, but an abundant one! Jesus came that His sheep might be protected and saved from the attacks of the thief and that we would be given life, and peace, and healing in Him.

            Does this mean that the pain of loss will subside overnight? Unfortunately not. But we as resurrection people live this abundant life in the shadow of the cross and in light of the empty tomb. The abundant life is not dependent on human emotions; the truth of God’s promises for you does not dissipate on days in which you feel hopeless. Hope Himself broke through the lies of the thief who says, “There is no hope!” and restored us to life. In this veil of tears our Good Shepherd not only walks alongside us when we are too weak to carry on, but He carries us in His strong arms. You are loved. You are cherished. You are deeply known. The King of Love, your Shepherd is, and He has won for you life abundant. He is carrying you.

            Prayer: Great Good Shepherd, the thief tells me that there is no hope. His lies threaten to overwhelm my heart at times and my heart is broken. Yet I thank you that I have never fallen from your hands, for I have been graven upon them. Thank you for the abundance of life you have given to me by giving your own sacred life on the cross. Protect me from the trickery, lies, and deception of Satan’s voice. Remind me always that you are strong and that you have not forgotten me in this suffering. You are the Great Physician. Heal my broken heart and teach me ever to cling to your solid love and promises. Use this time of confusion and pain to point me to your passion, cross, and resurrection. You are my Hope, King of Love. Amen.

Lutheran Service Book 709 “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”