During the fourth week of Easter we read in the Gospel of John the passage of the good Shepherd. Jesus tells us; He is the Good Shepherd, and He lays His life down for us. The 23rd Psalm which we know all too well was part of the readings.

For days I have been reflecting upon the Shepherds Crook and staff. I can remember a time in my life when I was feeling on top of the world. All of the ministries I was involved in were fruitful, and in my opinion all was just fine. Truth be told, I was starting to believe I was responsible for the growth and my prayer life had become lukewarm. In Scripture we are reminded that God loves us so much that at times He uses discipline and chastisement (Crook and Staff) to get our attention. Heb. 12:5-6

I imagine most times the crook and staff are used with gentleness, I know this also from experience, but in this case our Lord needed to get my attention. The staff felt more like “ spare the rod spoil the child “ and the crook was “come on back here to reality.” As I remember I was very much in need of an attitude adjustment. Sin and disobedience was why our Lord needed my attention. He most certainly got it.

Needless to say I do remember times when God, the Good Shepherd has not been so abrupt in getting my attention. He has often gently tapped and tugged me into realizing a better direction, choice or path.

looking back I am grateful that I have a Shepherd who is so loving that he has often left the ninety-nine to come after His one lost sheep. I pray I listen more attentively when He is gentle in getting my attention.