09.11.11
The Good Shepherd
Psalm 23
"'I am the good shepherd sheep and my sheep know me... and I lay down my life for the sheep.'"
(John 10:14-15)
How many of us have seen a shepherd in our life-time? Often our image of shepherds is of under privileged men with ragged clothing, wandering around the fields with their flocks. However, while a shepherd may not have been part of "high society," his role was very important, and his work was demanding. A faithful shepherd would take care, protect and provide for his herd. Probably of all animals, the sheep needs leading most.
When King Herod inquired about the birth place of the Messiah, Bethlehem was the answer. The prophet Micah had written about the place from which a ruler would be born who would shepherd His people, Israel. Jesus, who said that He is the good shepherd, is also King of Kings and ruler of the universe. It is this extraordinary combination that makes Jesus a suitable shepherd for you and me. As both shepherd and king He protects us, provides for us, and points us down the right paths. How blessed we are to have Jesus as our shepherd; for in Him we shall not be in want.
INSIGHT
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." (Revelation 7:17a).
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Song of Solomon 7-8
Psalm 72
John 12
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
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 overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment