Shepherds in biblical times and in the Jewish culture are quite fascinating. Their work was humble, simple yet a sacrificial calling. The flock is the shepherd’s possession, but unlike the Western view of what one’s possession is, the flock is treasured, well-cared for and sacrificed for because the flock is in the shepherd’s possession. A shepherd leads his flock to fresh water to drink, sweet grass to graze on and rest in, then back home to safety and secures them under the protection of his watchdogs. In this same way Jesus looks after us, His sheep.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:2)
David the author of the Psalm, having been a shepherd before he was anointed to be king, knew very well his nature as a sheep compared to a Holy God who shepherds him. Sheep can be very timid creatures, highly sensitive and easily spooked. When you see sheep resting, it is because they put their full trust in their shepherd — the very presence of the shepherd ‘makes’ (allows; gives freedom to) the sheep to be safe and rest. Why? Because there is familiarity with the shepherd and he is tender with them while also justly correcting them if they go astray — his love is balanced. The shepherd solely provides everything the sheep need; he is the source of everything good for them. Also, because the shepherd has proven himself worthy to be surrendered to because he would put himself at risk to preserve and rescue them.
When we rest in the security of who we are in Jesus, The Good Shepherd, we rest in order that we may have strength to follow Him on the path of holiness. All the righteousness we would ever need has been give to us in Christ Jesus. His righteousness, not our own, carries us through this journey of lifelong sanctification until our glorification in Heaven, the ultimate green pasture. Who is the shepherd of your life? When the Lord is your shepherd, your all-encompassing source of everything, He will always lead you on the path of righteousness. It will oftentimes not be easy to follow Him but it will always be right and with endurance as we follow our Good Shepherd’s voice (His Word) following Jesus on the paths of righteousness holds the weight of eternal glory.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24).
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4)
Questions to ask yourself:
- How do you find rest in Jesus?
- What else about shepherds can be a shadow of an illustration of what Jesus thinks about you?
Prayer Prompt:
Thank Jesus for being your Good Shepherd and count the ways He has lead you and provided for you.