Bible Reading: Psalm 23, 24 & 25; Acts 21:21-40
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” Psalms 23:1 (KJV)
A Shepherd is one who tends to the flock. He normally leads the flock out in the morning to the areas where they will be pastured. He watches them all day making sure that none of the sheep strayed, and if any for a time eluded his watch and wandered away from the rest, he seeks diligently for it till he finds and brings it back. He supplies them with water by guiding them to the streams or to wells. At night he keeps an eye on them too as he does in the day to prevent an attack from predators or thieves. This is exactly how rulers ought to take care of their subjects. God, our ruler, is the true shepherd.
God describes David as a man after His heart for many reasons. One of these reasons is the understanding he has of how a ruler ought to treat his subjects . First as a shepherd boy he demonstrated true leadership in the handling of his father’s flock before being handed the reigns of authority over Israel by God. On both occasions, he excelled. He also realised in the course of his life and the many troubles he faced and overcame that God is the real shepherd. He experienced the love of God firsthand. This prompted him to write, by the Holy Ghost, about our spiritual shepherd.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. God’s love and diligent care for His people can be compared to that of a shepherd and his flock.
I SHALL NOT WANT. All the flock needs are provided by the shepherd. God supplies our needs (Philippians 4:19).
HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES. Because of His nearness and presence I we can lie down in peace. After All, the earth and its fullness are His (Psalm 24:1).
HE RESTORETH MY SOUL. God revives and re-energised us when we are discouraged.
THOU ART WITH ME. He is always with us. It is the sheep that strays, not the shepherd.
PREPAREST A TABLE. As long as the pasture is good, the enemies around is not a problem. The shepherd keeps watch over the flock to protect and defend them.
GOODNESS AND MERCY. His love and kindness and help is constantly with me.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being my shepherd.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu