2345) It’s funny, but I was thinking of the Vacation Bible Schools I attended during my childhood. I chuckle over this as in January in Maine, summer is a word that is far, far away.

One of the things I remember about VBS is the story of Jesus being the Great Shepherd, using passages including John 10:27. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

This morning, I want to focus on the know them part of the verse. The word for know in the Greek includes much more than recognition. It includes understanding, being aware of and comprehending us, to name a few.

As Jesus said in his parable, he will leave the 99 and come and get the one of us who drifted off in another direction. He values us this much.

There is comfort and peace that comes from being sure God knows and understands all parts of us. We don’t have to be anyone but ourselves with him. Rejoice! He knows you.