THE GOOD SHEPHERD

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – John 10:14-15

In April 2021, a strong riptide developed in Kure Beach, North Carolina. Two children were swept away from the shore. “In an attempt to rescue the children, several bystanders and members of the Kure Beach Fire Department, entered the water and successfully brought the children to shore,” said a news release from the Kure Beach Fire Department. One of the rescuers, Jessica Embry, who was a fine arts teacher at Ashley High School and the director of the school’s orchestra, became distressed as she helped to save the children. Jessica was taken to shore and life-saving measures were performed but weren’t successful, according to the release. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Jessica Embry, along with all involved, are credited with saving the lives of the children,” the release stated.

Jessica was also a member of Lifepoint Church which released a statement about her death, which read in part: “Jessica was a sister, a daughter, a teammate, a teacher, a missionary, a mentor, a band member, and a friend. She has been a part of the Lifepoint family for over 10 years and she will be greatly missed.”

There is no greater love than dying for someone, and that is precisely what Jesus Christ did for you. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that He voluntarily laid down His life for you.

“God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’” – Billy Graham

God’s Word: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13