Understanding the Character of a Shepherd: The 23rd Psalm , Week 3

It is so easy to say, “I just don’t relate to him/her, they are just different than I am.”

Or, “I have never been a…I can not relate to them.”
Or even, “I just don’t understand where that person is coming from, that is not my personality.” 

I may have this issue in my life making it difficult to truly understand and relate to others. You may have this issue as well.

Jesus however, does not have this problem. He never struggles to understand a personality, quirk, flaw, strength, weakness or character! 

He is our Good Shepherd and He relates to every part of our character.

The Good Shepherd that David is writing about here in the 23rd Psalm is something that he clearly understands himself. David had been a Shepherd. He had stayed out watching over his sheep through the long nights, cold weather, and scorching heat. He had killed a lion and a bear to protect his sheep. David protected his sheep even at the risk of his own life! 

David knew what it took to be a “good Shepherd.” David got up early to open up the sheep pen and led the flock out from the fold, even when he would have preferred to sleep in. He put their best interest first as he led them past the not so great grass, to the lush green pastures where they could eat their fill. He spent all day watching over them, regardless of the weather or surroundings instead of reading a book, taking a nap or scrolling up and down on his social media. His eyes would have been intently focused on his sheep to ensure that no sheep wandered off and that each sheep was safe and secure!

Then through the pouring rain or the blistering sun, he would lead his sheep to water. And interestingly, he would lead them to “still waters!” Sound familiar?

Every good Shepherd knows that sheep will not drink from waters that move too fast!

GOD IS SO AMAZING, isn’t He?

Friends, this shouts loudly to us that Jesus, as our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what we need and He leads us to it, if we follow Him!

Just like the sheep must follow the shepherd to still waters to get a needed drink of fresh water, so too must we as God’s sheep, follow Him where He leads us! We must trust our Good Shepherd, as the sheep trust their good shepherd, to lead us to what is good for us.

Too much of the time we waste time and energy fighting for our own way, when that only leads to rancid waters that distract, discourage and disappoint! 

JESUS, our Good Shepherd is beckoning us to follow Him. He will lead us to good places.

TRUTH BOMB

Following our Good Shepherd will always refresh, replenish and restore!

At night, when the sheep are fully fed and hydrated, the shepherd leads his sheep safely home. He carefully counts each one and makes sure they are safe and sound back in the sheepfold. 

Psalm 23:2-3

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.”

As you read the comforting words of Psalm 23 today, remind yourself that you are reading the words about a shepherd, written by a shepherd.

HE GETS IT!

He knows what it takes to be a GOOD SHEPHERD!

I love the passage in John 10:1-15 that makes it crystal clear that Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

Read John 10:1-15 out loud this week along with reading Psalm 23. Let the TRUTH of it sink into your heart and soul!

YOU ARE KNOWN AND LOVED BY THE GOOD SHEPHERD HIMSELF, JESUS!

“….The sheep hear His voice and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep FOLLOW Him for they know His voice.”

“I Am The Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

John 10:3,4 and 11

The Good Shepherd names us, leads us, protects us, knows us and above all, gives His life for us!

Friends, we are the sheep of the Good Shepherd, Jesus! Jesus loves us like none other! He leads you, provides for you, protects you, and ultimately gives His life for you!

Rest and be comforted in this incredible truth today my friend.

Speak Truth Love