"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:10-11, ESV)

From his opening scene in Genesis 3, Satan has walked this earth seeking to steal and kill and destroy. He deceitfully presents himself as someone who cares for the freedom and welfare of man, but his goal is to destroy all which glorifies God — a thief who leads all astray, but he will not go unpunished. The sentencing will be handed down by Christ and Satan will be cast into the eternal lake of fire. Sadly, he will not be alone. For all who have believed in his cunning ways and have rejected the way of Christ will also be cast down into the eternal lake of fire, known as the final death.  

This is why we must place our trust in the only one who is good — the Good Shepherd. He did to come to take or steal from us but to provide us with abundant life. Christ loves his sheep and laid his life down for them. The sheep can rest under the Good Shepherd’s care and be assured that he will never lead them astray. He knows his own, and his own know him. So you may be thinking: How do I really know if the Good Shepherd knows me? The answer is simple: you know and trust him as Savior of your life. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they will follow me.” The sheep know and respond to him, because the Shepherd has always known his sheep.  

Although it may be simple for us to understand the way of eternal life, this does not mean it was easy for Christ to give his life. He suffered and died for his sheep so that we who are his will never face the suffering and judgment of the death we so deserve. With this great promise may we faithfully follow the Good Shepherd today as we trust in his finished work, leading to abundant life!  

John 15:13-14: Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 

Ephesians 5:1-2: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.