The Good Shepherd?

In what sense can a shepherd who loses sheep of his flock be regarded as good? (John 10:11-30) Much less great? (Hebrews 13:20)

Bad Shepherding

Consider a daycare service where one might leave their children. If this service failed to deliver all of the children entrusted to them safely to their parents at the end of the day would anyone regard them as GOOD? I believe it is abundantly obvious to any reasonable observer that to call such a daycare GOOD is ludicrous. Such a place would indisputably be a bad daycare in which no reasonable person should ever place any measure of confidence, much less their beloved children.

The Bad Shepherd

I submit that if most Christians soberly examined their own church's theological claims with respect to the so-called "good shepherd" that they preach, they would have to admit that this ersatz hireling is no better at delivering his flock to their final destination than the aforementioned bad daycare, arguably much worse. Why someone would have any measure of confidence in this sort of "good shepherd" remains a mystery to me. Even more puzzling is why, upon having this observation brought before them in no uncertain terms, so many of the Lord's people continue to find comfort in entrusting their kids, their wives, and yea even their own souls to such an one as this.

The Good Shepherd

The Lord Jesus Christ is an indisputably good shepherd of a completely different sort. He gives life unto his sheep and they shall never perish (John 10:28). He gives eternal life to as many as the Father has given him (John 17:2). And He ensures that all of the chosen sheep of the Lord's flock (Ephesians 1:4-5) will receive eternal life without the loss of one (Romans 8:29-30). Moreover, whosoever believeth upon him shall not be ashamed (Romans 10:11).

"Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1)

- Elder Daniel Samons