The LORD is My Shepherd

1 Samuel 17:34 (NKJV)

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.

What other responsibilities did a shepherd have? Shepherds were responsible for leading sheep to a healthy pasture where they could be nourished. They were also responsible for leading them to water. A shepherd would protect the flock day and night due to their worth/value. The shepherd also carried a rod and a staff, which were used as a weapon to protect and to maneuver the sheep.

All of these responsibilities David had when caring for his father’s sheep. But, let us fast forward to the New Testament, specifically Jesus. Let us also apply the description of a shepherd from 1 Samuel to Jesus; the description of a shepherd to Jesus. In John 10:11 (NKJV) it says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” In Samuel 17:34 it is talking about actual sheep. But in John 10:11, Jesus is speaking. He is referring to us as the sheep and Himself as the shepherd. Think about it…

Jesus is the Word. The Word became flesh and dwelled with us. In that time, Jesus taught us how to live a life honoring to God. Not only that, but He willingly died on the cross to redeem us, so that we could go straight to the Father, in Jesus name, for all our needs. He made a way to bring us to eternal life with Him in heaven.

If we read, learn and act on what the Bible says, He guides us to green pastures and still waters. If we misunderstand or go astray, Jesus uses His shepherd hook to move us. If we are in danger, He will use His rod to protect us.

This relationship isn’t something you automatically get. You must be surrendered to Jesus Christ. You must accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Jesus tells us in John 14:6 (NKJV)“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Nobody knows the hour or day of Christ’s return. I urge you, if you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your Good Shepherd, do so before it’s too late. The heart of our Father is that no one would perish but have eternal life. It’s up to us to choose where we will be spending our eternity.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness

For His name’s 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 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 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.

©2021 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved