Jesus is the Good Shepherd, our Saviour, Guide and Protector. It is often when we take our eyes off Him that troubles arise. The Pharisees were false shepherds who had no care for the sheep because they were opposed to Christ - they were like thieves and robbers breaking into the sheepfold, seeking their own glory. Christ is the True Shepherd who enters the sheepfold by the door and the sheep recognise his voice and He cares for His sheep. Christ calls us by name because He knows us and He comes to give abundant and eternal life to His sheep. We cannot say we know Jesus if we don't hear His voice and obey. We are called back to God through His word - though we are prone to wander, Christ searches for His lost sheep. Christ shows His care for us in laying down His life for His sheep, taking the punishment in the place of His people. The cross was the apex of the Son's love for the Father and our salvation is rooted in that love. We are safe in the grip of the Father - no-one can snatch us from His hand and we are safe in His grasp even in the darkest days. We need to know the Shepherd's voice, care and grip and follow Him.