Several years ago, my 96-year-old grandmother lay in the hospital. She had a number of things wrong, and had been living in a nursing home for several years where she could receive the care she so desperately needed. My mom and dad lived close enough that they could visit every day, but eventually she declined and was taken to the hospital. For days she did not respond to much. One morning while my mother sat with her, the doctor came in and took her aside to tell her that my grandmother's kidneys were failing. Mom asked about the options and was told that they could start dialysis, but it would be very uncomfortable for her. She asked the doctor what she would recommend. Mom said, "I just wish I could have a sign what to do." Understand that my grandmother could not hear them talking, but at that moment she opened her eyes and said, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and I'm not sad about this." My mother had her sign, and my grandmother passed into the arms of her Shepherd very soon afterward.

Jesus said, "The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because  they know his voice" (John 10:2-5). Disease had entered to overcome my grandmother, but in the end, it could only overcome her flesh, and her spirit knew who to follow. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep" (John 10:10-11). Because Jesus Christ won the victory over death, hell and the grave, my grandmother is also victorious. I know that today she is healthy and happy and alive with her Good Shepherd, and someday I'm going to join them, because He's my Shepherd, too.

Amen.