Well Known“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–just as the Father knows me and I know the Father– and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15) Wednesday, Fourth Week of Easter Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us perfectly to know Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that following His steps we may steadfastly walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen Dear friends, Every sheep is unique. It may not look like it at first glance. People who drive by a herd of sheep may just see white fluffy animals that all look alike. Even in the picture above, you might see faces that look all the same. But look closer. Take a moment to examine each face, and if you look long enough you will notice differences: Different coloring, different hair styles, different shapes; and if you were to spend time with them, you would notice very different personalities. I remember talking with a sheep herder, and he talked about the fact that he knew his sheep intimately. Each one of them had their own personality, their own particular traits, and their own names. He could tell you which sheep caused the most trouble, and which ones were the followers. It is the same with us. Each of us is unique. I’ve been told that I have a few doppelgangers, people who look similar to me. I guarantee that though our faces may look similar, if you spent time with each of us, you would discover that we are each very unique. The one who knows us best of all is the one who made us. Just as a Master painter can spot his masterpieces from any forgery that could be made, so also Jesus, the designer of our person, knows us intimately. In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes this in terms that the people of his day could relate with. He said, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” How well does he know us? He says, “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” There is no greater intimacy than is expressed between the Persons of God who are One God. As Jesus told us, “The Father and I are one.” Do you know Jesus? He knows you. He knows your needs. He knows your dreams. He knows your weaknesses and failings, and still he loves you. He proved it by laying down his life for you. My prayer is that during this corona virus time, you will pick up a Bible and read more so that you will know him better today, than you did yesterday. The Gospel of John is a great place to begin. In gratitude for God’s grace,
Pastor Langdon Reinke P.S. Hope you and your family are healthy and safe. We are in this together. We have help available if there are needs. Please let us know. | 
