King David wrote Psalm 23 by using his earlier experiences
caring for sheep. King David understood what the role of a Shepherd to his
sheep was, and used that analogy to compare what Jesus, the Good Shepherded
does for His people.
What are sheep like?
Sheep are prone to predator attacks and cannot defend
themselves, mainly because they have no defenses such as claws. Sheep are
helpless creatures who cannot survive very long without a shepherd. Sheep are
not very smart and get confused very easy. Sheep are known to wonder off away
from the care and protection of their shepherd. Sheep are difficult to train. Sheep
are easily frightened. The bottom line is that sheep will not survive very long
without a shepherd guiding and protecting them.
What do Shepherd’s
do?
Shepherds not only guide sheep along the right path
but they defend them fiercely against dangerous predators. Shepherds also take
care of sheep by feeding them and protecting them from threatening insects. A
shepherd provides all that a sheep would need, all the sheep needs to do is
follow the shepherd. A sheep only gets lost and in trouble when they wonder
off. A shepherd will go after just one of his sheep that has wandered off.
Reflect
and Ponder: Do you recognize that we are like sheep
in need of a Shepherd? Do you allow the Good Shepherd to lead you or do you go
on wondering your own way? What happens when you wonder off without The
Shepherd leading you?
Counselor’s
Corner:
In a sheepfold, a shepherd functions as a door,
letting the sheep in and protecting them. Jesus is the door for salvation. Some
people do not like that Jesus is the door, the only way to access God; but He
came to seek and save the lost and bring them back into the fold. Jesus said He
laid down His life for His sheep, and He did by dying for the sins of the
world. God is concerned about every human being that He created (He is not
willing that not even one should perish, (2 Peter 3:9).
When we do come into the fold and the Good Shepherd’s
care, He guides us not just in this life but into eternity. The Good Shepherd
takes care of His flock under His watch, we are under His protection against the
enemies that come against us. When we stray off, the Good Shepherd prods us
gently back into the fold.
If you are going through a difficult time, write out
all of Psalm 23 and place on your nightstand, read out loud every night before
you go to bed. Psalm 23 is the most common scripture recited around the world,
mainly because of the great comfort that it brings during distressing times,
and a reminder that the Lord is our shepherd.
MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:
The
Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green
pastures; He leads me besides still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in
the path of righteousness for His name sake.
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 staff comfort me. You prepare a table before
my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over, surely goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of
the Lord forever.
Psalm
23
As
for you, my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, you are men, and I am your God,
declares the Lord God.
Ezekiel
34:31
All
of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but
the Lord has caused the inequity of us all to fall on Him.
Isaiah
53:6
What
do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray,
does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the
one that is straying.
Matthew
18:12-13
I
am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John
10:14
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