John 10:14-15 "I am the Good Shepherd...I lay down My life for the sheep."

In Christ and His resurrection from the dead we have the ultimate and perfect hope. This is a hope that is far more than an uncertain wish for the future. Rather, it is a living hope, a sure conviction, a reliance on an unbreakable promise.

That hope operates in our hearts here and now. We know Christ as our Good Shepherd, who not only has the power fully and completely to protect us but also such perfect love for us that we can without doubting believe that He will always use that power in our behalf. He is not simply in control of this infinitely immense universe, but He guides and directs each one of us in our individual and personal lives. He knows us by name. He cares for us. He loved us enough to lay down His life for us. We have an invincible basis for our belief that He will also provide us with all that we need for our earthly welfare.

But above all, our hope for the future will blossom into a glorious reality when He returns in glory and triumph. It will be an awesome event, striking terror into the hearts of those who have had no use for Him. But for those who know Him and are known by Him as blood-bought and redeemed souls, it will be a joyous welcome home.

PRAYER: O Good Shepherd, keep us, Your flock, by Your almighty power. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Judges 19-21    Luke 16

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