“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
–John 10:1-5
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
–John 10:14-15
A few years ago, my family had the opportunity to visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It is considered one of the world’s biggest and best aquariums. One of the highlights of the aquarium is the whale sharks. Watching these giant creatures swimming in the tank was both amusing and stunning. But what also attracted me and put me in awe were the little colorful tropical fish. Name the color of fish you want to see, and you may find them in the tank. What amazed me the most was that these creatures existed, and each had a name! It may not be hard for people to know and remember the names of the giant whale sharks because they are prominent and popular in the aquarium. But who would care to learn and remember the name of that little purple fish in the tank? The Creator does! He made each fish in the deep blue sea and knew each of them by their names.
I love the words in the song “Indescribable” written by Laura Story.
“From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings…
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing, God”
Indeed from the highest of heights to the depths of the sea, God is the amazing Creator of all things. He is also the shepherd who knows us and cares for us. Jesus said, “he calls his own sheep by name” (v3). Whether I am that famous whale shark in the aquarium or that little purple fish swimming quietly in the tank, my shepherd identifies me not by my appearance or achievements but by whom He created me to be. He knows me by my name, and He also knows the depth of my heart. He cares to always stay by my side, and He would love me just as I am. His eyes are on me.
How great and vast is God’s creation, yet how attentive and thoughtful is Our Creator! I’m forever amazed and thankful that I am His sheep, and I can call Him my Shepherd.
I have a Maker He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
I have a Father He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
Below: The many fish including the little purple fish 🐠
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