November 16 — "Known. Called. Safe."

Today's Reading: John 10:1-21

A good shepherd doesn’t just own a flock—he knows it. Ask any seasoned shepherd and he’ll rattle off which ewe prefers the far ridge, which lamb limps after a steep climb, and which cranky old ram keeps the young ones in line. Each sheep has a story, a rhythm, a personality. That’s exactly what Jesus meant when He said, “I know My own.” He’s not peering down from a distant hilltop—He’s walking right beside us, among us calling us by name.

And oh, what comfort that brings! You’re not just another woolly blur in the crowd—you are known. Known in your weakness, known in your wandering, and—get this—still wanted. Still loved. Still cared for. He hears your voice even when it’s cracked with distress. He understands your heart even when your prayers come out as sighs. And still, He calls you His own.

Jesus also said His sheep know Him and recognize His voice. Which begs the question: how can someone who’s never met Him—an unbeliever—know it’s Him when He calls? It sounds mysterious, doesn’t it? But here’s the wonder: when the Shepherd speaks, something divine stirs inside. The same Spirit who breathed life into Adam awakens the soul within us. We might not grasp the doctrine or the details, but deep down, we know—it’s Him. His voice carries the unmistakable ring of truth our hearts were handcrafted to hear. And once you’ve heard it? You’ll never forget it. It’s the sound of home.

Jesus didn’t stop there—He went on to say, “The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” That’s not poetic flair—it’s a blood-bought promise. When danger comes, the hired hand runs for cover. But the true Shepherd? He doesn’t flinch. He steps forward, plants His feet, and takes the hit. Not by accident. Not by force. But by choice.

At the cross, Jesus didn’t get swept up in tragedy—He stepped in front of danger for those He knows and loves. He saw the wolves coming and said, “You’ll have to go through Me first.” He didn’t just protect the flock; He purchased it. With His own life. This is the Gospel in shepherd-speak: You are intimately known. You are deeply loved. You are eternally safe—because Someone stood between you and the wolves... and didn’t flinch.

At its heart, this whole passage is about relationship—real, living connection between the Shepherd and His sheep: He knows us with perfect understanding, we know Him with growing trust, and He proves His love by protecting us with His very life.

So today, may the Good Shepherd steady your heart with the truth that He knows your name, calls you by His voice, and guards you with His life. May His presence lead you to rest in green pastures of peace.