The Good Shepherd

 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. John 10:11

Hi Friends!

We're in John 10 today where we find the fourth "I am" statement of Jesus. He made seven in total. Each of them points to His divine nature and purpose. In describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus was stating that He is both innately good and a protector and nurturer to His people. And, as He went on to say, He was willing to die for His people, for all people.

That never fails to amaze me- what our Savior was willing to do for us. We can take it for granted. But, think about it. The Creator of the universe WILLINGLY died a horrible death so that we could be redeemed. And He did it knowing every sin that we have and will ever commit. At any time, He could have stopped the whole process. He wasn't helpless even on that cross. If He had wanted to, He could have easily gotten Himself down. But for our sake, He stayed there and paid the price for our sins. WOW. So incredibly amazing. It's amazing to me that He was willing to become what He had created. That He was willing to leave His rightful glory. We can't fully comprehend the love He has for us. And through these "I am" statements, He tried to give us a glimpse of Himself and of His love. I am so very thankful for Jesus.

We live in a complicated and hurting world. And, yet, Jesus is still the Good Shepherd. He will protect, guide, and nurture us if only we turn to Him. He's waiting with open arms.

Page Details: I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: I Am and The Shepherd's Voice. I started the page by tearing paper. I placed the paper on the Bible page and used a sponge dauber to apply distress oxide ink to the page. I started on the torn paper and moved the color up onto the page to mimic the sky and hills, and finally a field. I then stamped the shepherd onto sticker paper. I colored him in with Prismacolor pencils and applied Gamisol over the colored pencils. Gamisol is a mineral spirits that smooths out the pencil lines. Then I stamped Jesus' quote. The new I Am set is fabulous! I will be using it a lot.

Rest in our Good Shepherd, friends. Have a blessed week. Andrea