Some of us are better at reading maps than others. For those of us who remember a printed map spread across the dashboard or the trunk of the car, navigating across town or across the country was an adventure in itself. And just like those maps, life comes with its own set of directions, whether it’s assembling furniture from IKEA or making choices about how to spend our time and energy. Recently, I put together a small playground for my granddaughter. Let’s just say, there were moments when I questioned the instructions, thinking I knew better or that I’d misunderstood. But in the end, following the manual proved to be the safest and most effective way to make sure everything was secure and functional.
Scripture offers us a beautiful analogy for this: we are like sheep, and the Good Shepherd is watching over us. Sheep may seem simple, and perhaps even a little ignorant, but that’s not the point. The Shepherd knows His sheep by name, guiding them, protecting them, leading them to green pastures. To truly be within His care, we must follow Him, listen for His voice, and trust that His guidance is for our good. Just as I needed to follow the instructions carefully to put that playground together safely, so we need to listen closely to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knows the way to life in all its fullness.
Each day presents us with choices, small and large, about which direction to take. The outcomes of those decisions matter, and beginning with the best guidance possible is always wise. What does Jesus say about this? Let’s turn to His words in the Gospel of John:
Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
—John 10:1-101
In these words, Jesus reminds us that true guidance comes from Him, the only one who truly knows us, calls us by name, and leads us safely. He is the gate, the entrance into abundant life. Those who try to find their own way or follow false voices will ultimately be lost or harmed. But those who listen to His voice, who trust His direction, will find safety, nourishment, and life in its fullness.
Thinking about that playground I assembled, I realize how crucial it was to follow the instructions. Skipping steps or improvising could have put my granddaughter in harm’s way. But when I followed the guidance carefully, I was able to create a space of fun and safety for her. Similarly, life’s directions, whether through Scripture, prayer, wise counsel, or the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit, are meant to keep us safe and help us flourish. The Shepherd’s guidance isn’t about rules for control but about love, because He sees what we cannot see and knows what we cannot comprehend. He laid down His life for us, just as I would for my granddaughter, to ensure our safety and our joy.
Our Good Shepherd is not just a figure of authority but a Savior who has given His life for us. Even now, after His resurrection, He continues to feed and guide His sheep. St. Augustine beautifully reflected on this truth: “He is the Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, and who, when He had risen again, still feeds His sheep.”
So today, I invite you to take out that metaphorical atlas, not just with your eyes, but with your heart. Ask yourself: where is God leading you today? What is He calling you to do, to say, or to be? Trust that His directions are for your good, and that following His voice will lead you into life: abundant, joyful, and secure.
I’m grateful I followed those assembly instructions for my granddaughter’s playground. I’ll fully admit, its designer knew much better than I did. And I am even more grateful to follow the ultimate Designer, Almighty God, who knows us better than we know ourselves. Be encouraged today to listen for His voice and follow where He leads. In doing so, you will find the safest and most abundant life possible.
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer2
Luke Gambill 