Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep.
John 10:25-26
Jesus says He has told us and shown us and we still have difficulty believing. In everything Jesus has said and done, He leads us to God, not taking any credit for Himself. Still, when He speaks the truth about Himself, people don’t get it.
Have you ever been in a situation where people doubted you? Did it make you angry that they didn’t believe you? That might be our human reaction, but while Jesus may be disappointed when we don’t believe, He never gives up on us. Jesus, like the shepherd He often compares Himself to, is always willing to come after us, to bring us back to the safety of the flock.
While being compared to sheep may not be flattering, it is a sadly true evaluation of our faith. We stray easily and wind up in danger without the care and guidance of our Good Shepherd. He is always ready to tend us; we must be willing to belong to Him.
Loving Lord, forgive us when we wander away from the shelter You offer us, looking for blessings that only come from our connection to You. Help us to see that Your love and grace are the only things that can satisfy and save us. Amen.