The Lord is my Shepherd
by Dennis Nonnemacher
In Psalm 23 David, the author, boldly proclaims, "The Lord is my Shepherd." Christians and Jews today still believe that the Lord is "my" Shepherd, "your" Shepherd, "everybody's" Shepherd if they decide to become one of His sheep.
Psalms 23:1-6 (NASB)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Oriental shepherds live with their sheep day and night. Sheep are given names and the shepherd knows each of them by that name. The sheep respond only to their shepherd's voice and no other. Shepherds protect the sheep against wild beasts, even if it means risking their lives. Shepherds care for the health of sheep, often providing anointing for protection or healing. They provide clean, fresh water and pasture land for the sheep. The sheep's well-being is always at the forefront of the shepherd's mind and actions.
The sheep, on the other hand, are not very smart. They often get into trouble. They wander away from the flock occasionally to satisfy their natural curiosity. This exposes them to danger from wild beasts, poisonous plants and thick brush. Sheep enjoy fresh, clean water. But when thirsty, they will drink any water, even from polluted streams or ponds. Sheep are susceptible to sickness and disease, mites in their ears and nose, along with many other health problems.
The people of Israel , at the time of David, believed the Lord Jehovah was their Shepherd. Christians today believe that Jesus Christ is their Shepherd. In the Gospel of John Jesus actually calls Himself the Good Shepherd.
John 10:11 (NASB)
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
He says that He leads them, knows their name. He says that His sheep know His voice and follow Him. He leads the sheep in and out of the sheepfold. They recognize His voice and follow only Him and no other. Jesus says He will lay His life down for His sheep to save them. Hired hands will flee when danger approaches, but Jesus, the Good
Shepherd, will never leave His sheep. This reminds us of what the author of the letter to the Hebrews said about Jesus, "He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus also states the there are some sheep who are not part of His flock. But when they hear His voice, they will join His flock and become one with Him and them. He reiterates that He will lay down His life for His sheep! (John 10:15-18)
Jesus is the New Testament fulfillment of David's Psalm 23. There are 12 things in this psalm that the Good Shepherd does for His sheep. We must choose to become one of His sheep. The choice is ours.
John 1:12-13 (NASB)
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."
For those who choose Jesus, He will do the following:
- Meet needs Vs 1
- Provide rest and peace Vs 2
- Lead me by clean, still waters Vs 2
- Restore me Vs 3
- Guide me Vs 3
- Stay with me Vs 4
- Comfort me Vs 5
- Honor me Vs 5
- Anoint me against sickness Vs 6
- Provide what I need Vs 6
- Provide goodness and loving-kindness for me Vs 6
- Allow me to live in the presence of the Lord all the days of my life Vs 6
Would you like the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Good Shepherd? Do you have the desire to stop wandering and have Him watch over you every day of your life? Are you willing to follow Him as He leads you? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? Then you too can become one of His sheep, part of the flock of the Good Shepherd.
Listing of past Food for Thoughts
