The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
One of the most instructive metaphors for our relationship with Jesus is that of the Shepherd with His sheep. Sadly, much of the power of the analogy is lost on you and me because we have little or no understanding of the life of a shepherd or the ways of sheep. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who willingly laid His life down for His sheep (John 10:11). Scripture also tells us that the Lord’s sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). Yet we all know by way of personal experience that we are prone to wander; when we do, our Good Shepherd comes after us to bring us back into the fold, all the while restoring our soul.
Psalm 23 continues . . .
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:2-3)
When Jesus raises us from death to life, He is not only is the Savior of our souls, He is the Shepherd of our souls too. Regardless of where we go and what we do, we have our Soul Shepherd who cares for us, comforts us, and corrects us with loving kindness. When wolves come after us, our Good Shepherd does not run away; He protects us and provides for our every need. We are set apart by Jesus. We are safe with Jesus. We are secure in Jesus.
Psalm 23 concludes with these words:
Even 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 comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:4-6)
Could your soul use a little refreshing today? Perhaps a bit of restoring? Go to the One who loves you so much He died on a cross so you could be in relationship with Him. Go to the Shepherd of your soul and receive all the refreshing and restoration you need today. He is the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul (1 Peter 2:25), and He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. And He is calling you to come to Him today!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 