When I was very little, I remember my father setting me on his knees, facing toward him, and he would hold both of my hands in his. He would gently bounce me on his knees and say, “Giddyup horsie, go to town. Giddyup horsie, don’t fall down!”  As he said the word “down,” he would spread his legs apart so my bottom would start to fall toward the ground. However, he never let go of my hands, so I didn’t actually fall. In fact, I enjoyed that little game. I played it with all of my daughters when they were growing up, a few nieces and nephews, and also my grandchildren. Three-year-old Micah begs me to play “horsie” and once I start, she keeps saying, “again, Papa, again!” The first time I did it with her, her eyes got very wide. But once she realized I was not going to let go, she couldn’t get enough of it.

As we think about our Good Shepherd this week, I want to remind you of something He promised.

John 10:27–30 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

As we go through life in this world, Jesus gives us the same assurance I had when I played that game with my father:  He was not going to let go of my hand. I was safe. We need that reminder from our Good Shepherd. Not only did He live the perfect life I had not lived. pay the price for the sin I have in me, and conquer death for me by rising from the dead, He also promised to never let go of my hand.

The following song that I used to sing to my girls was written and performed by Don Francisco.

I know what you’ve been hearing
I’ve seen you hide your fear
Embarrased by your weaknesses
Afraid to let Me near

I wish you knew how much I long
For you to understand
No matter what may happen, child
I’ll never let go of your hand

 I know you’ve been forsaken
By all you’ve known before
When you’ve failed their expectations
They frown and close the door

But even though your heart itself
Should lose the will to stand
No matter what may happen, child
I’ll never let go of your hand

 The life that I have given you
No one can take away
I’ve sealed it with My Spirit, blood and word
The everlasting Father has made His covenant with you
And He’s stronger than the world you’ve seen and heard

 So don’t you fear to show them
All the love I have for you
I’ll be with you everywhere
In everything you do
And even if you do it wrong
And miss the joy I planned
I’ll never, never let go of your hand

You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVMUCi-3s7M