Now and then, often or occasionally, we think of this and that, times together and apart, you being where you are and us being where we are.  Now and then we have to revisit insurance policies to library cards, even times now of electric cars, modern windmills providing electricity for a town of 10,000, and personal devices that allow us to communicate instantly.  One might think there would be little correlation between now and then.  But aren’t we all still people being people?

Then Jesus compares a true shepherd with a hired or contracted shepherd, stating,  “I am the good shepherd;  I know my own sheep, and they know Me, I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold.  I must bring them also.  They will listen to My voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.”  Jesus turned to Peter saying, “Do you love Me? Feed My sheep.”  This same Good Shepherd had said to His disciples, “You didn’t choose Me.  I chose you.  I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name.”

Father, more than now and then, You are with us in Christ faithfully forever, having fulfilled Your promise then, “I will set over them one shepherd, My servant David.  He will feed them and be a shepherd to them.  And in the proper season I will send the showers they need, showers of blessing.” 

Then and now.  God’s servant David had passed and Jesus, Son of David became the promised Good Shepherd who gave His life, and to whom we worship and obey, proving our love by feeding His sheep. Care now for one another, listen to His voice, seek His kingdom and righteousness unto His glory, lasting fruit.