The Good Shepherd

Like many of you I love thinking about Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 always gives us a comforting and vivid picture of His care for us. It begins with the reminder that in our Shepherd we have everything we need. He is with us when we are resting and at peace, or when peril strikes threatening the strength of our faith. He constantly refreshes our every thought so that we have all we need to get through anything at all. He guides us along our journey without mistake pointing in which direction we should take. Sometimes the way is difficult, scary, even foreboding, but He does not leave us in such moments; He draws even closer, reminding us of His presence, just as any good shepherd will assure the flock. Taking the rod, the shepherd will clear the path of sharp stones, and prod the sheep to stay on the right path. Should a sheep take a wrong step, the shepherd does not ignore the sheep, leaving the frightened animal to its own devices, but gently and firmly uses the crook of the staff to lift up the sheep, placing him or her again on solid ground. When a sheep is wounded, the shepherd will clean and anoint the wound with oil. Our Good Shepherd does the same, anointing us with oil of gladness (Psalm 45:7). When wolves draw close, smelling the wounded and weakened animal, the shepherd stands guard while the sheep eats with assurance of protection even in the midst of predators seeking to destroy.

Jesus our Good Shepherd does the same for each of us who knows Him, who are counted as one of His flock. Enemies of fear may be biting at our faith and stealing our peace, or despondency seeks to destroy our joy, or disappointment rolls in to kill our hope. The enemy, Satan, never changes his strategy to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Enter the Good Shepherd Who reminds us with His words of love that He never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5) and that He will gladly carry our burdens (Matthew 11:28).

Sheep can be foolish animals, just like each of us can be foolish, too. What wonder and encouragement that our Good Shepherd never gives up on us. He is always present, always loving, always forgiving. He never forsakes us. Why do we ever entertain such a thought to ever turn away from His perfect will for our lives? Because we are foolish. Oh what undeserved love is ours from our wonderful Shepherd. Praise the Lord for He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).