Based on John 10:27-30

Do you remember that drill instructor? You know the one. Even as I talk about him or her, there’s a strong emotion rolling inside of you. You might even say you hated him or her at the time. But now, with a smile on your face, you can say, “But we respected him. And I needed it at the time.”

Maybe it was that platoon leader, commander, first sergeant, captain, or even a general that you labored for. You remember that individual because they knew you by name. Then you moved on, perhaps up the ranks in promotion, or they changed command or eventually retired. But you know that if you called them up on the phone today, they would know you and call you by name.

That means something, doesn’t it, when someone knows you by name? They have a vested interest in you. You know them because they gave you something. What did they give you? Maybe they were an encourager, a mentor, a model, or an example for your vocation—not just as a warrior but for your marriage, your parenting, or as a single person, to remain faithful, to be a better friend.

In the past 20 years in my time spent with you, the military community, I’ve seen this. You’ve spoken about it and how much certain individuals mean to you. If you don’t have this or haven’t experienced it, that’s okay. Listen to what Jesus says to you today in John 10:27-30: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

That’s the voice of someone who is more than just a mentor, more than just an encourager, more than just a model or example. This is the voice of a shepherd speaking to his sheep. This is the voice of the Good Shepherd—your Good Shepherd.

For those times when it feels like no one really knows you or understands you, he does. He knows you by name. He put his name on you in your baptism. Your name is written in his book of life—he says that about you! He says that he wrote your name on the palms of his hands so that he always has your name before his eyes. He laid down his life for you only to take it up again, just for you. Yes, he knows you.

For those times when it feels like you’re slipping away from relationships with others for whatever reason . . . or that you’re slipping away from your Shepherd because you haven’t been faithful in listening to his voice . . . or your Bible is a little dusty . . . or the church doors haven’t seen your shadow cross them in a while . . . or your Shepherd hasn’t heard your voice in prayer in a hot minute, he promises, “I still know you. My Father has given you to me. I am not going to let anyone or anything snatch you out of my hand. My Father’s firm grip of grace will not let you go.”

He knows you. Listen to his voice so that you are constantly reminded of that comforting truth. He is your Good Shepherd. You are his sheep. He cares for you. He watches over you. He leads you to green pastures and quiet waters and there feeds your hungry soul and thirsting heart with his words of promise. He leads you through those dark valleys of life.

Listen to that voice of promise so that you know him. Go about your day, knowing that he knows you. Go to sleep tonight with this assurance: he knows you.

Prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep. Lead us now to the still waters of your lifegiving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore.

Heavenly Father, you are the source of life and wisdom and all good things. As we celebrate Military Spouses Day, we ask that you bless all military spouses with faithfulness, patience, and an unswerving trust in your promises to do what Jesus prayed for them.

As we look ahead to Mother’s Day, look with favor on all mothers who have given life to their children and who nurtured them with loving concern and faithful instruction. May their children honor them and call them blessed. When they become weary, sustain them with physical and spiritual rest. Amen.