Pam Padgett ... teacher
In the first several chapters of 1 Chronicles, we see an account
of generations, starting with Adam to Israel (Jacob) and Israel's descendents. While starting to read
one of these chapters and seeing the various names of descendents of Israel, it stood out to me that God knows each of us by name and everything about each of us. It brings joy and comfort to consider this, and I was reminded of what Jesus said in the following ...
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of
them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of
more value than many sparrows.
Jesus also gave us the parable of the good shepherd. The good shepherd knows his sheep by name and cares for the sheep ...
John 10:10 1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by
the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is
a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the
shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear
his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them
out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them,
and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will
they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of
strangers.
Jesus explained this parable, telling that He is the door of the sheep,
the way of salvation and life ... and He is the good shepherd, caring
for us, even giving His life for us ...
John 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood
not what things they were which he spake unto them. 7 Then said Jesus
unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the
sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the
sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he
shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief
cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come
that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own
the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The
hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the
sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of
mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay
down my life for the sheep.