The LORD is my shepherd; Psalm 23:1a
I do not know very much about raising sheep or about shepherds. I do know a few things however that make this verse significant to me. Shepherds take care of the sheep that are in their care. They feed them, shelter them, protect them from harm, search for them when they are lost, etc. The sheep are very important to the shepherds; the shepherds will endure hardships of all sorts to keep their sheep healthy and safe. They are devoted to their sheep.
So, when I repeat the words of David, I am moved deeply. The Lord is my Shepherd; I am not someone else’s sheep. My Lord and I have a personal relationship, I am His and He is mine. He has gone through great lengths to assure my place in His fold. He has shed His own life’s blood to assure that I could be forever His. He called me and I followed Him and I am His sheep. He will do whatever it takes to keep me healthy and safe and He will not fail. He is “the” good Shepherd.
Are you His sheep? You can safely put your trust in Him. He is the Shepherd that loves His sheep. Although His fold is large He is a personal shepherd and knows all of His sheep (John 10:14 ). Listen to His voice and follow His commands for the Shepherd knows what is best for His sheep. Do not be afraid for you can boldly and proudly proclaim like King David, “the Lord is my shepherd”!
Don’t know “the” Good Shepherd? There is always room in His fold for another lost sheep. He will take you in and make you His own. You will find no greater love and devotion, for there is no other shepherd like Him. Come, He is calling you!
