"The Lord is My Shepherd"
Introduction. Most people in our modern, high tech society have little exposure to caring for farm animals. Having pets is not nearly the same as caring for cattle, pigs, goats, or sheep on a continual basis. Because we are somewhat disconnected from such a lifestyle, we may not really understand Biblical teachings that are based on rural experiences with tending livestock.
Sheep and Shepherds. There are a number of literal and figurative references throughout the Bible to raising sheep. A number of prominent Bible characters were shepherds, including Abel (Gen. 4:2), Abram (Gen. 12:16), and David (Gen. 16:11; 17:15, 34-35). The same can be said for "spiritual" shepherds, including God (Psm. 74:1; 79:13; 95:7), Jesus (Eze. 34:5-23; Matt. 2:6; Heb. 13:20), the Apostles (John 21:16-17), and elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). But do we understand and appreciate the role of an ancient shepherd and what it meant to the sheep under his care?
Psalm 23. One of most colorful and memorable expressions of this relationship is captured in Psalm 23. Written by David during or after some of his trials and tribulations, it beautifully describes activities and emotions between a person and the Lord in terms we moderns may not fully appreciate. Let's take a closer look at this wonderful psalm.
A Grateful Sheep. David expresses his gratitude as a sheep under the loving, watchful care of a good shepherd. Under such a person's care, a sheep would have trust and confidence in his shepherd, knowing that he would be taken care of, even in the face of adversity and potential death.
The Good Shepherd. In John 10:1-16, Jesus leverages his audience's familiarity with raising sheep to portraying himself as the ultimate "Good Shepherd" of both Jews and Gentiles (v. 16). He not only has a close, personal relationship with His sheep, He is willing to "lay down My life for the sheep.”
But There is a "Catch". All of the comfort and blessings of being a spiritual sheep with a loving Good Shepherd are conditional. We must be willing to admit we are weak (and sinful) "sheep" in need of the Good Shepherd (and Savior). But beyond simple belief, we must be willing to actually listen to, submit, and obediently follow Him. Practically speaking, this includes studying what the Shepherd says via the Bible and applying it to our lives (Matt. 7:21-27), regularly associating ourselves with fellow sheep in a faithful flock for mutual encouragement (Heb. 10:19-25), and having a close prayer relationship with God (Phil. 4:4-7).
Conclusion. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want." What a beautiful expression of faith, trust, and confidence in the "Good Shepherd" by a loving, grateful sheep who is willing to obediently follow Him, even "in the presence of my enemies" and "in the valley of the shadow of death". Would that we all had such an active, saving faith!
Sheep and Shepherds. There are a number of literal and figurative references throughout the Bible to raising sheep. A number of prominent Bible characters were shepherds, including Abel (Gen. 4:2), Abram (Gen. 12:16), and David (Gen. 16:11; 17:15, 34-35). The same can be said for "spiritual" shepherds, including God (Psm. 74:1; 79:13; 95:7), Jesus (Eze. 34:5-23; Matt. 2:6; Heb. 13:20), the Apostles (John 21:16-17), and elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). But do we understand and appreciate the role of an ancient shepherd and what it meant to the sheep under his care?
Psalm 23. One of most colorful and memorable expressions of this relationship is captured in Psalm 23. Written by David during or after some of his trials and tribulations, it beautifully describes activities and emotions between a person and the Lord in terms we moderns may not fully appreciate. Let's take a closer look at this wonderful psalm.
- "1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever." (NKJV)
A Grateful Sheep. David expresses his gratitude as a sheep under the loving, watchful care of a good shepherd. Under such a person's care, a sheep would have trust and confidence in his shepherd, knowing that he would be taken care of, even in the face of adversity and potential death.
The Good Shepherd. In John 10:1-16, Jesus leverages his audience's familiarity with raising sheep to portraying himself as the ultimate "Good Shepherd" of both Jews and Gentiles (v. 16). He not only has a close, personal relationship with His sheep, He is willing to "lay down My life for the sheep.”
But There is a "Catch". All of the comfort and blessings of being a spiritual sheep with a loving Good Shepherd are conditional. We must be willing to admit we are weak (and sinful) "sheep" in need of the Good Shepherd (and Savior). But beyond simple belief, we must be willing to actually listen to, submit, and obediently follow Him. Practically speaking, this includes studying what the Shepherd says via the Bible and applying it to our lives (Matt. 7:21-27), regularly associating ourselves with fellow sheep in a faithful flock for mutual encouragement (Heb. 10:19-25), and having a close prayer relationship with God (Phil. 4:4-7).
Conclusion. "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want." What a beautiful expression of faith, trust, and confidence in the "Good Shepherd" by a loving, grateful sheep who is willing to obediently follow Him, even "in the presence of my enemies" and "in the valley of the shadow of death". Would that we all had such an active, saving faith!