Sunday, September 25, 2016

Jesus-The Good Shepherd

As the sheep of His pasture, we quietly graze as He keeps watch. We glance up from our grazing and spot a wolf circling. The wolf had crept close, clothed in deception. But this wolf shed its sheepskin and now we see it for what it truly is. Our eyes grow wide, and our muscles tense, ready for flight. But flight to where? Our fear begins to blind us to try to run anywhere but here.

Our hearts beat as though, at any moment, they could leap from our chests. And then we hear a voice—the Voice of the Good Shepherd Who saw the wolf begin to creep up long before we noticed it. And the Voice instructs us: “Be still and know that I am God.” We watch the rod in His hand rise, poised ready to whack the wolf in its stealth, at just the right moment.

So, to the wolf—beware, the Shepherd stands ready with that rod; And to the sheep—peace, be still and know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, ready to defend and rescue His sheep.

Psalm 23: The Lord, the Shepherd of His People
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the 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.