“Savior's Help Encourages People's Hearts Eternally, Redeeming Diligently! (S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D)” 

By Ramesh C.Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

May 31, 2008

Editors Note: The devotional has a background song  which can be heard if you use Internet Explorer.

Jesus and his disciples had time alone in the boat from everyone else. Now they are about to make a landing to have more solitary time away from the crowds. However, three things had already occurred!

Observations:
I asked myself what three things occurred?

1. But many who saw them leaving, recognized them

2. But many who saw them leaving, ran on foot from all the towns

3. But many who saw them leaving, got there ahead of them.

I asked myself Jesus’ reaction to the large crowd?

1. Jesus had compassion on the large crowd.

2. Jesus saw them as a sheep without a shepherd.

3. Jesus began teaching them many things.

Observation/Interpretation:
I asked myself the significance of Jesus teaching them many things?
Jesus decided to teach them many things because of His compassion for them. Jesus did not want them to stay in the rut they were in for He saw them as sheep scattered without a shepherd.

This is a sad state they are in because there were Pharisees and teachers of the law who were supposed to be teaching them and helping them draw close to God but they were not helping the crowd. Even if they were teaching them they were teaching them things that Jesus had to correct them in. Naturally, they come to hear Jesus after seeing His miracles and learning that He teaches with authority.

 So, when Jesus began teaching them many things, Jesus decided to become their Shepherd to lead them and guide them on the right path. Jesus cared for each and every one of them there which is evident by His compassion for them and His action of teaching them many things. The sheep needed to be taught and Jesus took it upon Himself to become their Shepherd to do the teaching.

This reminded me of Jesus’ claim, “I AM the Good Shepherd”

I am reminded of John 9 and John 10:11 where Jesus addressed the Pharisees and those around Him. Jesus stated to them who He was. As I looked back at Mark 6:33-34, I am reminded that Jesus began teaching them many things but we do not know what He taught them. It is possible when Jesus saw them as a sheep without a shepherd He could have told them what is recorded in John 10 that only the Gospel of John records. We are not told the content of the teaching from Mark 6:34 but I am inferring it is about Jesus being their Good Shepherd. Probably, there were Pharisees and teachers of the law there too because they always looked for a way to arrest Jesus. In one of the conversations, Jesus told the Pharisees in front of the crowds, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NIV)

What stuck out to me was ‘good shepherd’ and ‘sheep!’

Once again as Jesus speaks to the Pharisees in front of the crowds, He starts out with ‘I AM’. This reminded me of Moses.

What is interesting is that Moses was a shepherd before God introduced Himself to Moses as ‘I AM’ at the burning bush. Moses already had a shepherd’s staff. God decided to use Moses now to lead a different flock than he was used too. Rather than shepherding sheep, now he was commissioned to shepherd the flock of Israelites leading them out of Egypt. He was their shepherd. The Pharisees would have known that God told Moses, 'I AM.' Actually, the entire statement of God to Moses is 'I AM that I AM'

Now Jesus introduces Himself to the Pharisees as ‘I AM’ but goes a step further and states ‘GOOD SHEPHERD’

Just as the Israelites needed deliverance and God used Moses to deliver them, now Jesus is telling His listeners including the Pharisees that they need deliverance and He will be their Good Shepherd to deliver them. That was exciting for me to know!

It is also significant that Jesus used the description good to describe Himself as a Shepherd. This meant to me that there are bad shepherd’s out there. It is very possible that Jesus was letting the Pharisees know that they may think they are shepherds for the people but they are leading them astray.

When Jesus mentions good shepherd, the Pharisees would also know about bad shepherds since they were well versed in the Scriptures.

“Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:1-2)

“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:3-4)

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord our Righteousness! (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

If the Pharisees really took to heart what they knew from Scriptures, they would know that they were face to face with Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness.

It was so exciting to compare Jeremiah 23 with John 10. In John 10, Jesus promises his listeners exactly what God spoke through Jeremiah as prophesy regarding shepherd and sheep.

Jesus wants the Pharisees to know that! Jesus not only claims to be the Good Shepherd for the sheep but the Good Shepherd who foreshadows the laying of His life for the sheep. In this instance, we all are the sheep who Jesus gave up His life for to save us. It is so exciting to know we have a Good Shepherd who will look after us!

As I think about that I am also reminded of the Christmas story where shepherds were told by angels about a child born in Bethlehem. They go and get to see baby Jesus. These were not ordinary shepherds but I believe priestly shepherds and their sheep were used as sacrificial lambs at God's altar for the sins of the people.

This is so profound because the angels sent them to see Jesus, the Ultimate Good Shepherd who would become the role model of how shepherds should be. Of course, at that time Jesus was still just a baby. More than that, they got to see the One who would one day become the Ultimate Sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world.

Thirty years later into Jesus’ ministry. Jesus claims, “I AM the Good Shepherd”. It is very well possible those same shepherds who saw baby Jesus would still be living and shepherding their flocks since it is only 30 years later. People started becoming shepherds at a young age and continued in that profession. Now they could have seen Jesus, the Ultimate Good Shepherd in action 30 years later. Three years later, they would get to see the Ultimate Sacrificial Lamb slain for the sins of the world.

Good Shepherds are needed to rescue sheep from lions and other dangers they face. They need to be good because then they will put the safety of the sheep before their own life. This is what good shepherds did.

Implications:
I saw important implications for my own life.

Jesus wants to be my Good Shepherd which means Jesus sees me as his tender sheep. This also means there is a lion out there that is waiting to get me and Jesus wants to protect me from the lion. In this case, the lion is Satan.

Scripture tells us that Satan prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Satan intends to go after us and left to ourselves we will be killed spiritually. Jesus does not want that to happen so Jesus intervenes in our life giving His own life to rescue us. This means so much to me.

I need to let Jesus influence me and shepherd me instead of Satan influencing me and pouncing on me. If I let Satan influence me, I will deal with doubts and second-thoughts if they are not handled with the help of the Lord quickly and swiftly!

As a sheep, sometimes my mind wanders away and gets lost with thoughts that are not of the Lord until I focus my mind on the Lord again!

One of those thoughts Satan put in me was “Ramesh, if you were still a Hindu, you could have gone into Harvard Law School and gotten a prestigious law degree as you originally wanted. Then, it would have been so easy to find a Hindu bride to get married to and live your life. But, look at you now, you are not married nor doing a prestigious job. ”

Those are lies, lies, lies. Satan wants to keep people from coming to Jesus and when they do come into the arms of the Savior, then Satan tries to make them jump away from the Savior with lies, lies, lies.

It is possible that I could have gone into law school but even as a follower of Christ I could have gone into law school if I wanted to. But, I was happy and at peace having a mission of counseling broken hearts with the love of Christ as I got my Psychology degree. As I saw the need on campus, I felt I should join InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and ministered there for six years. I would not trade those years for a law degree.

I was really blessed by the encouragement Kristen, my sister in Christ shared with me at Living Acts which is our cell group at Oakland International Fellowship. We had just studied for awhile Philippians 2:12-14 and the advancement of the Gospel. Later on, she told me that she knows I love my job working in food services and reaching out to the students with the love of Christ but if I ever chose to change jobs that I would be a great counselor. Then she affirmed me by saying, 'You are already counseling students!'. That really encouraged me because I had given up law school to make my mission: Counseling Broken Hearts with the love of Christ and work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

After leaving IVCF, the Lord provided an opportunity right away with Pittsburgh Standard print edition and then I was able to become the publisher of the online newspaper at http://www.pittsburghstandard.com and use the EXPRESSIONS section to shepherd those that read the devotionals with the Gospel of Jesus Christ so their lives can be transformed and changed as they yield to the GOOD SHEPHERD.

I found out one day when a student approached me and told me that she read the devotionals I had posted online and because of them, they were instrumental in her giving her life to Jesus Christ. That encouraged me so much because when I have questioned the Lord about the newspaper and been discouraged, the Lord always has pointed me to an event that has happened because of how He has used the Pittsburgh Standard. She joined a college fellowship after that and now is involved in her church as she does grad work.

I need to be faithful and shepherd those the Lord Jesus has put around me. Right now, I have been blessed to be a small group leader and want to shepherd Living Acts, the way Jesus wants it shepherded. But, it starts with Christ!

Come to Jesus! Do not let the enemy deceive you. I would not trade in the years of my life being a born-again Christian for any earthly gain whatever my situation in career, academics, relationships etc is and will be. If the Lord wants me to get a law degree he will provide the ways and means.

"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!" (Philippians 1:21, NIV)

Dying to myself and my old ways and coming to know the Good Shepherd is the best thing that has happened in my life. I need not have a prestigious job to be married for I am in the Hands of Jehovah Rohi, my Good Shepherd. When He chooses for me to be married, I know Jehovah Jireh, my Provider will provide a wonderful born-again Christian bride for me from my home country or from the states who is a born-again Indian Christian.

I was lost as a sheep and when Jesus chose me and held me in His arms taking care of me, I became the first born-again Christian child in my family lineage because those before me, other than my mom, have been Hindus as far as I can know!

I was lost because I did not know Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Savior. Jesus came to be my Good Shepherd too and to deliver me from the bondage of sin so I can be right with God and have  fellowship with Him. I am so glad to have given my life to Jesus.

My mom is the first one to become a born-again Christian and I followed. Later, all of my brothers gave their life to Christ including my beloved day who was married to my mom for 37 years. He  is with the Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd now.

Being the first child to become a born-again Christian in our family line, I wanted to dedicate my life to God’s ministry and reaching out to souls with the love of Jesus Christ. So, I went on to do campus ministry with a Christian fellowship and decided to get a full-time job in restaurant management where I would still have opportunities to reach out to hundreds of students with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Now the Lord has also provided me with an online newspaper to be used to reach souls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

If I were to die tonight I would be at peace where I am and have been in the arms of my Lord and Personal Savior! I would not trade one of those years to go back and be a Hindu for any reason.

"Jesus also said,  I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life! No man comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NIV)

Being in ministry is a path I have chosen and wanted to dedicate myself to the Lord Jesus and do His ministry. This does not mean all Hindus or people of any religion  who become a Christian will not have prestigious jobs, etc. I know of wonderful Indian born-again Christians who are contributing to the Kingdom of God in the profession they are in. For me the company  pays for most classes I want to take so I continue to learn knowledge and use that also as a means to reach souls for Christ!

Whatever happens, our decision to come to the Good Shepherd should not be based on what earthly gains we can get out of Jesus. The main reason to come to Jesus Christ is for the Salvation He alone offers humanity. No gods can save except Jesus Christ because of what He did on the cross for you and me. Read the Gospels and you will come to know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.

The Word of God asks us a potent question, “What does it a profit a man if he gains the whole world and yet forfeits his soul.”

It is a good thing before telling others that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, Jesus warned them about Satan that Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy but Jesus has come to be their Good Shepherd to lay His life down for the sheep. Satan’s aim is to steal, kill, and destroy not only our lives but our soul. Only Jesus Christ can redeem it for you and me!

I have a peace about staying where I am at and will depend on Jesus in all aspects of my life including marriage. I would not be at the job I am at if I did not think being on campus was making a difference but the Lord has shown me time after time how He wants to use me.

One day, a high school student wanted to interview me for his reflective essay and I was able to share with him why I love to do what I love to do. Jesus' name definitely came up!!!

Jesus reminds me of the verse, “Do not be afraid, just believe.” I intend to do that after all my Good Shepherd did for me and will do for me. Through it all, I want His will and not my own so if He chooses to send me to another job, I shall go! I ask for the Lord's strength!

Jesus took the gashes and He had so much flesh torn from His body for our sake so we could be protected as His sheep. His blood was shed so our blood need not be shed. He paid the price to redeem us but not only us but entire humanity. The ‘Passion of the Christ’ depicts Jesus’ sacrifice so well to see what Jesus went through for us. I have the DVD if you want to borrow it.

If it ended there, it would be a sad story but Jesus was also victorious over Satan. Jesus was buried and came back to life to save all those who would take His offer of help to be their Good Shepherd.

As we turn to Jesus, He will guide us and lead us for we will get to know Jesus more and more! We can put an end to Satan’s deceptive lies in our lives. We can cover Satan’s lies with the Word of God.

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father---and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16, NIV)

I ask you now dear friends, who have you made the shepherd of your life?
Friend, there are good shepherds and there are bad shepherds. You have a choice to choose who you want leading your life. Satan will definitely lead you astray by sending your bad shepherds with a bad message but Jesus will be your Good Shepherd who laid down His life for you His sheep!

Jesus wants to be your Good Shepherd now and always. He can be your Good Shepherd and will lead you on the paths of righteousness. When you are facing hardship, He will be there for you. If you feel lost or wounded, He will be there to bandage your wounds and hold you in His arms of love.

Oh Yes, He will because He loves you so much and wants the best for you! You never have to feel alone or scared because Jesus will be there for you friend.

Jesus knows everything about you; all your scars, ailments, weaknesses, strengths, etc and will take care of you according to His tender love and mercies.

Even when you feel like, you are being disciplined; it is for your wonderful good so turn to Him always. You can know Him on a daily personal level. Don't allow the circumstances of your life to crowd out the time with your Savior who wants to lead you.

Do not let academics, relationships, careers, etc crowd out your time with the Lord but make time for Jesus too in your life. Trust in Him, delight in Him, and commit everything to the Lord. I know God wants to give us rest in all areas of our life so let us be in His arms of love and leave the results in His precious loving care.

He who created you will take care of you! May you find rest in the arms of your Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ! Amen!

I wrote two prayer songs and wanted to share it with you all.

Jehovah-Rohi
By Ramesh C. Reddy

Jehovah-Rohi, my Good Shepherd (all)
Jehovah-Rohi, my Good Shepherd (all)

You are all I need (men)
You are all I need (women)

Your Holy voice I heed (men)
Your Holy voice I heed (women)

You pick me up and lead (men)
You pick me up and lead (women)

Upon your pastures I feed (men)
Upon your pastures I feed (women)

Jehovah-Rohi, my Good Shepherd (all)
Jehovah-Rohi, my Good Shepherd (all)

You are all I need (men)
You are all I need (women)

Amen!

His Voice
By Ramesh C. Reddy

You can to listen to the Shepherd’s voice

You can be a sheep that will rejoice

You can now turn off Satan’s noise

You can have Jesus your loving choice

Whether you are girls or boys!

Amen!

“Savior's Help Encourages People's Hearts Eternally, Redeeming Diligently!” (S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D)/”Who have you made the shepherd of your life?”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you so much for how you help us. Thank you for being my Good Shepherd. You are there to protect me from Satan who prowls like a roaring lion to get to me. I need your help Jesus. Oh Lord, as your sheep we need your direction and leadership. Thank you for your promise that we can hear your voice as we seek you and get to know you more and more. Lord please protect us from the enemy. I thank you so much, you love me so much that even if I were the only one lost, you would have come looking for me to save me and deliver me. Thank you for being there for us. We turn these days over to you and depend on you. Whatever your will is for us give us the willingness and strength to bear it and rejoice in you. Thank you for being our Lord and Personal Savior as we surrender our lives to you. I want to do that Lord as I confess my sins to you and repent of them. Thank you for delivering me from the life I had and giving me new life in you Lord. Thank you for not forsaking me ever in the years you have been shepherding me. I still need you to shepherd me.  Thank you for cleansing me with your cleansing blood. I thank you for holding me still in your arms of love drawing me close to you, never letting me go! I pray right now for the one who needs you to hold them in your arms of love and comfort them what they are going through. You know what they are going through and can cuddle them in your arms of love. Thank you so much Jesus. We rest in you Lord and depend on you! Thank you that you have heard my prayer and answered me. In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

If you want to be a soldier in the Lord's army, you can become it right now. Now is the time of Salvation! You do not have to wait but can pray this prayer and give your life to Christ to serve Him daily! There is no draft but coming to Christ is voluntary. He loves you so much and wants you to come to Him! He will take care of you, guiding you and leading you!