This is the beginning of the state fair season.  I have fond remembrances of going to the Iowa State Fair as a boy growing up.  My grandparents would drive down and my Mom would pack a picnic lunch for us - even back then, who could afford the food prices at the fair.  We would attempt to find a shade tree on the grounds to park under.  Then would enjoy our day at the fair.  Being farmers, my grandparents always enjoyed the agricultural exhibits.  My grandfather even attempted to help us to understand how cattle would be judged.  As kids we enjoyed collecting the free stuff at the various exhibits.  We each had our big sacks--filled with pencils, rulers, fans--you know, the free stuff.  That day created some incredible memories.  Well, this weekend Marlys and I are the grandparents.  We are driving down to take our grand kids to the Iowa State Fair.  We will probably not pack a picnic lunch, but we will help fill some bags with the free stuff.  Perhaps we might even take in some cattle judging.  I know the day will bring many fond memories.  Then we will get to do it all over again with other grand kids when it is time for the Great Minnesota Get Together over the Labor Day weekend.  Then summer will be officially over.  How sad!

Now, let's dig into the Word.  One of the most familiar of titles Jesus gave to Himself was that of being the Good Shepherd.  I invite you to turn with me to John 10.  For this first lesson from this chapter I would like to focus upon the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.  Jesus begins by describing a sheepfold.  Now, when was the last time you saw a sheepfold?  Some of you may be scratching your heads admitting that you have never seen one.  Well then, you can travel to Israel with me and I will show you one.  A sheepfold is a walled enclosure with only one opening in the wall.  Each night the shepherd would lay his rod across that opening and count each of his sheep as they went into that sheepfold.  The folds were large and several shepherds bedded their flocks there.  Then the door was shut from the inside and one of the shepherds kept watch during the night hours.  Only the shepherds were allowed through that opening; the thieves and robbers had to climb over the wall if they wished to harm the sheep.  In the morning each shepherd would come to claim his sheep by calling to them.  They would follow him because they knew his voice. 

Notice, in verse 4, the shepherd called forth his sheep and then led his sheep.  The act of "calling forth" of the sheep in essence was separating them from others.  Perhaps hundreds of sheep were in that sheepfold.  And so each shepherd had to separate his sheep from the larger group.  Friends, is that not what Jesus continues to do?  He "calls forth" those who will follow Him from the great masses of people.  Jesus is still calling forth his fishermen, like Peter and John.  He is still calling forth His merchants, like Matthew.  He is still calling forth His educators, like Paul.  He is still calling forth young people, like Timothy and Mark.  Christ has "called you forth." 

Once the sheep have been "called forth," then the shepherd begins to lead them.  The Bible is full of passages that help us to understand the role of Jesus as our leader: Psalm 23:1 (well known), Psalm 77:20, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 95:7, and Isaiah 40:11 (one of my favorites).  Jesus will never take us down a path which He has not trodden Himself.  Remember that wonderful promise found in Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.  Jesus always goes before us, selecting the best way for us to go.  Sometimes the pathway is of glory and rejoicing; other times the pathway is full of sorrow and tragedy.  But Jesus always guides us through.  Has He not promised to be with us - you and me - unto the very end of the age? 

So, what is the attitude of the sheep?  It is one of commitment and trust.  It is one of utter obedience to the will of the shepherd.  The sheep surrender themselves to the will of the shepherd.  And why can the sheep do this?  Because they have absolute confidence in their shepherd.  Can I say that I have a similar confidence in Jesus Christ?  Do I have an absolute confidence in Him?  Do I lean for support upon Him?  Do I look for direction and help from Him?  Do I trust Him when the pathway becomes narrowed and threatening and I do not know what is around the next turn in the road?  Oh that we might follow Him.  Yes, He is our Good Shepherd.  And we can trust Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: All things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.  (Spinoza)