. . . He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3b
There are those who say mass production has gotten out of hand.
Pam and I may be two of them. Let me explain: about a month ago, my wife and I attended the wedding of a friend's son. Because we didn't know the young man or his bride, we decided to send them a practical gift: a fire extinguisher. We are really pleased by the "thank you" we received, but wonder if their mass-produced thank-you letter was the way to go. My wife and I laughed when we read their note. It said this:
"THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE NICE WEDDING PRESENT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO USING IT SOON."
That's not quite so laughable when we realize that in just about everything -- from government to banking -- the personal touch is a thing of the past. To almost everybody, we are merely numbers.
"Almost everybody." With God it is different. He who knows about sparrows falling and who numbers the hairs on our head, thinks of us as very special individuals. When Jesus lived, suffered, and died, we were not numbers to Him.
We were very special people -- special people who are the recipients of His gracious love. His is a love which is seen on the cross, most certainly, but it is here every day of our lives as well.
That thought is a comfort to me, and I hope it is to you. So, when the world's impersonal touch makes you feel insignificant, please remember the sacrifice the Savior made to save you.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing each of us as individuals and calling us by name. Help us to faithfully follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who continues to lead us. In His Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 23-25 Ephesians 5:17-23
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