Written by Dr. Jim Grassi
Without a shepherd to lead, guide, and protect, sheep will either go astray and get lost or become vulnerable to disease and attacks from predators. By nature, they wander, oblivious to the world around them. They become self-absorbed and turn to their own ways. They develop a mob instinct and follow the ways of the flock rather than think for themselves. Sound familiar?
Behaviors and attitudes of sheep are much like those of human beings. Is it any wonder, the Lord is often referred to as our Shepherd. He is spoken of as the Shepherd of Israel throughout the Old Testament (Ezekiel 34:11-16). The psalmist employed the figure of a shepherd to recall the blessings he enjoyed from the Lord (Psalm 23, 28:9). It was a natural metaphor for David, the shepherd-king. The same metaphor is used to prophecy the Messiah:
“Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in the fold of His robe; He will gently lead the nursing ewes” (Isaiah 40:11).
Even Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Later He is referred to as the Great Shepherd and Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4). We see the significance of this when we consider the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.
In many ways, sheep are helpless creatures, only able to clump together in a large mass, making it harder for predators to attack one or two vulnerable sheep. A shepherd provides the safety, food, and water they need. He leads them to fertile fields and fresh water, moving them frequently so they lack nothing. The sheep trust him, follow his prodding, and respond to the sound of his voice. He inspects them for wounds and tends to them when they are sick. He seeks them out if they are lost, protects them from predators and poisonous plants, and never leaves them. He wants the best for his sheep.
God too wants the best for each of us. He doesn’t want His children to live in want or despair. His plan for our lives is what guides us in the direction that makes the most of our talents and gifts to glorify Him and serve others. We all need the Great Shepherd in our lives. When we place ourselves in the care of the Lord as our Shepherd, who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider of all, we lack nothing.
“We have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because the Lord is my Shepherd.” – Charles Spurgeon
When we trust the Lord’s plan, His leadership, His will for our lives, we can live a life without want, fear, or anxiety – not because we won’t encounter struggles, but because we have a Good Shepherd who will never leave our side.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
Personal Application: What kind of a “sheep” are you? Do you trust the Shepherd to provide for and lead you or do you follow your own leading, relishing your self-reliance and only calling upon Him when you’re in real trouble? This week watch for all the ways the Lord is being the Good Shepherd in your life.
- Taken in part from The Great Shepherd: A Psalm of Calm in a Time of Chaos by Jim Grassi D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5