Bible Reading: Isaiah 24:1-end
“For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” – 1 Peter 2:25 (KJV)
We shall continue from yesterday’s discourse by first looking at the salient qualities of a shepherd as stated in Psalm 23 and other scriptures and juxtapose it with scriptures of Christ’s promises to his flock as their shepherd.
- A true Shepherd meets the want of his flock (Psalm 23:1). Concerning Christ our shepherd the scripture says: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” – 2 Corinthians 9:8(KJV). Apostle Paul had this to say further concerning Christ provision for us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:19 (KJV)
- A true Shepherd abundantly provide the sheep with food (Psalm 23:2a). God’s promises of provision is further strengthened by this scriptures, “The young lions do lack and, suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing” – Psalm 34:10(KJV). “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation –Psalm 68:19 (KJV)
- A true Shepherd leads the sheep to waters of peaceful habitation (Psalm 23:2b). God’s promise to his flocks is well spelt out in Isaiah 32:18(KJV), “And my people shall dwell in peaceable habitation, and sure dwellings and in quiet resting places.”
- A true Shepherd restores the sheep when they stray (Psalm 23: 3a). God laid the burden of restoring man that has gone astray on Christ Jesus: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” -Isaiah 53:6(KJV).
- A true Shepherd leads the sheep through the right paths (Psalm 23:3b). Christ has imputed in us his righteousness that we may walk in righteousness as the sons of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). By his Word and through the Holy Spirit we navigate through this sinful world along God’s righteous path. God further admonished us on the path to walk therein and find rest for our soul in Jeremiah 6:16(KJV).
We shall be concluding these qualities of a shepherd on the 10th of August, 2018, while going further to examining the activities of shepherds placed over God’s people.
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving us the great Shepherd Jesus Christ.
Bro Joel Ezeugo