Know The Voice Of Our Shepherd And Stay Close To Him

 Sheep are fascinating animals, and studying their characteristics, it is easy to see why the Lord used them in His word pictures and parables, and how their behavior can mimic ours. Sheep are timid, easily panicked, more comfortable in a flock, have no means of self-defense, extremely helpless, and need the most care of all livestock - completely reliant on the shepherd caring for them.
 God is so gracious that He devised a plan that would demonstrate His own deep love for ALL mankind, without compromising His own pure, righteous justice so that instead of the wrath of God being justly poured out over the heads of all sinners, He would give His only begotten Son as the only possible perfect Sin Offering to pay the price of the sins of the whole world.
 Those who believe that "the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all," are not only forgiven forever and given eternal life, but the Lord has laid on US the unsearchable riches of His grace and clothed us in His robe of righteousness.
 May we, like sheep who Know The Voice Of Our Shepherd And Stay Close To Him. May we choose to stay close to Him all the days of our lives, not going astray, tempted by the empty, glittering, hollow trinkets of the world, but walk in His way, to His glory and our eternal benefit. 
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Our United Prayer:
Thank You, Heavenly Father, that you laid on the Lord Jesus Christ all our sins, and poured out Your wrath on the dearly beloved Son of Your love so that our sins are forgiven and we have been clothed in His righteousness. We praise Your wonderful name, AMEN.