Shepherd In The War Zone

Dear Friends,

I hope you are all enjoying Memorial Day with family picnics and games, building lovely memories together. But there is something else each one of us should remember and meditate on--the reason we celebrate this day.

Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor marks its end.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in National Cemeteries. (WIkipedia)

My co-author of Babes With A Beatitude--Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of Faith Dannelle Woody wrote the following devotion (page 27). I thought I would share it with you as it seemed appropriate.

Shepherd In The War Zone

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own--John 10:14

The news report showed a snippet of a reporter's footage from a war zone--a simple shepherd leading his sheep alongside the road. Above him were billowing black clouds. On one side were tanks, and on the other, ground troops dodging incoming gunfire. Yet the shepherd never looked to the right or to the left. Instead he just kept moving his sheep very calmly to their destination. The sheep followed and did not wander off the very narrow path before them. Two or three feet in the wrong direction would have surely led to their demise.

Dannelle Woody

What a compelling reminder of how Jesus our Shepherd protects and leads us through some tough battles. Sometimes we wonder how we will ever survive our trials, how we will ever make it through to the other side without serious life-threatening wounds. But just as the shepherd in the newscast led his sheep successfully through a war zone, how much more will your Shepherd lead you through your own battle, unharmed by the Enemy!

Beatitude Check

What an image to consider--innocent sheep being led by a shepherd through a war zone. But that's us, isn't it? Jesus Christ, our Shepherd daily guiding us onto safer ground. Let Jesus lead you today. Listen closely for His direction before you take another step.

Linda Kozar