April 8, 2025

Hi Friends,

I had a “Little Red Riding Hood” moment last Saturday while at a Thinking Shrewdly conference in Edmonton. That intrepid little lass was confused when her “grandma” didn’t look like her grandma. That was my conundrum as well.

I had been looking forward to connecting with a young friend, whom I knew was volunteering to help with food service to all the attendees and, truth be told, whom I still don’t know very well. So, I went down to the kitchen and was delighted to see that everyone was wearing a name tag. It would be really easy to locate my friend, Luke. And then I saw him — and that’s where the confusion began. The name on his chest said, “Luke,” but this young man was a little taller than I remembered. His hair was much “bigger” and “fuzzier” than I remembered. I hesitated.

Fortunately for me, Luke’s mother was nearby. She noticed the confusion on my face (I know — it’s perpetually there but this time there was a good reason!), emitted a derisive snort and said, “This is Joel, Luke’s cousin. These two thought it would be fun to switch name tags.” I laughed and formally met “Luke” (Joel), after which I caught up with “Joel” (Luke).

I smiled as I thought about that incident this morning. It put me in mind of something Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me …” I didn’t recognize the “Luke” I saw and he didn’t recognize me either (which added to my confusion). But his mother immediately recognized all of us and put the whole thing right.

I don’t know what you are facing this week but I know this — you are known by Jesus. That can be a “good news, bad news” reality. There may be things we wish he didn’t know about us, things we would like to hide, but he knows. There may also be personal anguish that we wish we didn’t have to bear alone. He knows. Insecurities, doubts, uncertainties about health, family, future — Jesus knows. Switched name tags don’t confuse him. The needs of others don’t distract or consume him. He is our Shepherd and a good one at that. He is committed to our well-being, whatever the challenge. He doesn’t leave us alone for even a moment.

As we move toward Palm Sunday, it’s important to remember that, while we might praise him one minute and deny him the next, he will never deny us, never de-value us, never forsake us. He literally gave his life for us “while we were yet sinners.” You may be confused about him but he is not confused about you. You may be faithless but he remains faithful — always.

So, go with confidence into the things before you this week. Don’t give up hope if you are struggling. Expect him to be present in every good endeavour you attempt. He knows you. He is with you. So, don’t be confused and don’t be afraid.

Blessings!

Doug