The Greek verb translated “know” in the familiar verse above is a special one. The word in the original text indicates a thorough, personal, intimate knowledge. It is intended to impress on us the wonderful truth that our Good Shepherd has a very thorough knowledge of us. He knows us not in the simple sense of: “I know so-and-so; we’ve been introduced,” but in the sense of (as married people say): “We know each other so well that we can often tell what the other is thinking. We know each other through and through.”
Yes, Jesus is intimately acquainted with us and aware of all the needs we have for our bodies. Most importantly, He knows the great need we have for daily assurance of His forgiving love and for the daily comfort of knowing our eternal futures rest secure in His hands. It is because He knows our needs, fears, worries, and weaknesses that He's in a position to shepherd us faithfully. He knows the pressures we experience along life’s bumpy highway. He knows not only when our hearts are hurting, but why they hurt. How blessed we are to have such a shepherd!
I am Jesus' little lamb, Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me, Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same, Even calls me by my name.
Day by day, at home, away, Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me, Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go Where the quiet waters flow.
Who so happy as I am, Even now the Shepherd's lamb?
And when my short life is ended, By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast, There within His arms to rest.
(Lutheran Service Book, 740) |
