John Chapter 10, verses 11 - 15 (RSV) wrote:[11]: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
[12]: He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.
[13]: He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep.
[14]: I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me,
[15]: as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
I am not the shepherd, but I am a shepherd. Like Longtooth, I shepherd the flock of my congregation. It would not be appropriate for me not to do everything in my power to prevent the wolf from snatching any from my flock. Even if it costs me my life. Yes, I carry.