Read Psalm 23
There is something wonderfully comforting in this most cherished of all Psalms. However, for someone who knows what it means to be a shepherd, the truth that ”the Lord is my Shepherd” is even more precious and powerful. Isaiah 40:11 tells us “Like a shepherd He [God] will tend His flock.” David knew that everything he did for his little flock, God faithfully did for him (and continually does for us).
Sheep are predictably high-maintenance. They need a shepherd that is quiet & quick, serene & serious, peaceful & powerful, approachable & authoritative, self-less & self-sufficient. These characteristics enable them to trust him and respond to his leadership. Since their needs constantly change, he must be continually prepared with the right knowledge, resources, provision and skill. His work on their behalf is preparatory, preventative, protective and personal.
A good shepherd makes sure that his flock has everything they need regardless the time, effort, comfort or convenience it cost him. Different seasons require different pastures. He goes ahead of his flock to make sure it meets their needs. The selected pasture is scrutinized. At different stages, his sheep needs different nutrients, so he makes sure they are present. He also looks for hazards that could injure his sheep, poisonous weeds, signs of predators, and other dangers that need to be removed or blocked off. Water is a priority. Since sheep will not drink from rushing water, it has to be diverted into quiet ponds or streams or placed in accessible troughs. He pays special attention to the route they will take to the various pastures, identifying hazards along the way and makes special note of sections a particular sheep might find frightening, so he can make sure he is near that sheep at that time and place. Once he has prepared for every possibility, he leads his flock there personally.
Getting his sheep to the pasture is just the beginning of his work. Sheep require extensive hands on care. If one of them refuses to settle down, bullies others at the watering hole, or needs specific care, he has to hobble it for a time, but then gently restores it to its feet. His rod, a tool for defense, discipline and inspection, and his staff are always on hand. A well-aimed toss of the rod redirects a wandering sheep. The staff is used to draw a sheep close to the shepherd for a variety of reasons. Since sheep put their noses into everything, special oil has to be rubbed on their heads and into their eyes to prevent against infections and keep away irritants. This constant interaction calms the sheep, keeps it healthy and enables physical growth and quality wool production. The well-being of a sheep depends on the character of their shepherd and staying close.
All this is true for wooly sheep and true for us. Jesus is our good Shepherd (John 10:11-16) and we are the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 100:3). He is ready and willing to lead us to springs of the water of life (Revelations 7:17). We must listen to His voice and follow where He leads. (John 10:27)
Making It Personal
What does it mean to you that the Lord is your Shepherd and you are His precious Lamb?
As our Shepherd, the Lord has gone ahead of you preparing for today, He has already provided everything you need for life and godliness, so that you “shall not want.” (2 Peter 1:3), and He promises to continually be with you (Deuteronomy 31:6,8). What difference does (or should) truly believing this have in your attitude and actions today?
Sheep are notoriously self-consumed. How can we be like sheep according to Ezekiel 34:18,19?
What is the remedy for such “sheepish” behavior, according to Philippians 2:3-5?
John 10:16 says there is only “one flock with one shepherd.” How should this impact your attitude towards others regardless of all our differences?
Take a few minutes to thank the Lord for being the “Shepherd and Guardian of your soul” (1 Peter 2:25) and the privilege of being in His precious flock. Pray for His flock throughout the world that we will truly be one in Him.
