“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— John 10:14
Citizens of the New Kingdom have a King who calls himself a shepherd because of the relationship he wants to have with his children. The role of the shepherd is to protect and care for his sheep. He ensures their safety by always being prepared to defend the sheep as lions or wolves seek them for meals. A good shepherd will stand his ground even when the odds are against him, choosing to give up his own life if it means the safety of his flock.
Citizens of the New Kingdom are encouraged by the words of the King when he speaks of intimacy with his citizens. As a good shepherd he knows his sheep. He knows their tendencies, their preferences, likes and dislikes, what brings joy, what may cause sadness or anxieties, etc.
Citizens of the New Kingdom also seek to know their King. It should not be a one sided relationship. We seek to know King Jesus. We know what he likes, how he wants us to live, to love, to forgive, to fellowship with him. He wants us to be able to sit at his feet and share our lives with him, our daily troubles, our desires. He loves us when we are good, bad or indifferent. Intimacy allows us to go to our King even when we are afraid. There is no fear in intimate, complete love.
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