Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Psalm 23 (CSB) The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff--they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in[c] the house of the Lord as long as I live.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
Shepherds in Bible times always had to be on the lookout for members of the flock that needed their personal attention. They treated scratches with olive oil. They kept watch lest any sheep stray from the flock and brought back any that did. Daily the shepherd led his flock to feed in safe pastures and guided them to needed water. At night he brought the flock to a secure fold, counting to be sure that none were missing. Through the night he would watch over them and protect them from predators or thieves.
How much doesn't this sound like what our Lord does for us every second of our lives? HE is our shepherd. Now, the picture of a shepherd probably doesn't have the same meaning for us that it did for the earliest Christians. Shepherds were a part of daily life for many of them. Here was an example of our Lord's love and care that they could easily understand and picture in their minds.
A true shepherd would even give his life for the sheep if needed! As the Lord's sheep we needed our Good Shepherd to die for us and He willingly did. He took our transgressions--everything the old evil Foe could use to condemn us--and by His death forgave our every sin and gave us everlasting life rather than eternal death!
Through our Good Shepherd's death, everyone who trusts in Him is set free from every sin. Our Good Shepherd justified us from all things from which we could not be justified by the law. He was the perfect sacrifice for the guilt of mankind! Our Good Shepherd wants us to place all our trust and love, our whole life in His hands--knowing that He is our God and Savior. He understands our helplessness and weakness and promises that HE will never leave us nor forsake us!
The picture of a shepherd perfectly illustrates the relationship of love that exists between Jesus and us, His sheep. This relationship was guaranteed to us by the Father Himself on Easter. By Jesus' resurrection we have perfect confidence that all Jesus came to do stands forever fulfilled! Because Jesus lives, we are the sheep of His pasture! That's the joy, comfort, and certainty we have every day. We have peace with God knowing that every sin stands forgiven and forgotten. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
