Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
I want you to have three pictures before your mental eyes.

First of all, here is a picture of David with sheep in the pasture. 
Secondly, imagine Jesus Christ standing beside you and leading you in your day to day life. 
Thirdly, imagine yourself rejoicing with the Glorious Shepherd who is sitting on the throne in the glorious Heavenly Kingdom.
 


Normally, the shepherds were treated contemptuously by the Egyptians, and even today, men consider the job of rearing the sheep as a humble job. But when David called our Lord as 'Shepherd', the Lord never considered it below His dignity to be called as a Shepherd. God, the King of glory, the Lord of all creations and the Lord of Hosts willingly accepted to be called a Shepherd. 
 


Our Lord Jesus Christ said, 
"I am the good Shepherd." St. Peter says that, He is "The Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25). He is "The Chief Shepherd" (1 Peter 5:4).

Let us have Jesus as our Shepherd. 
Let us be the blessed sheep of His pasture. 
A shepherd is needed to overseer our thoughts as well. 
The thoughts of some wander like a wild donkey and the lustful thoughts and passions of pleasure enter into their mind and spoil their spirit. 
Therefore, with oneness of mind, let us discipline our thoughts and intentions and commit ourselves unto our Lord and our Shepherd Jesus Christ. 
Let Jesus be the Shepherd for our children as well.
Have Him as your Shepherd from generation to generation.
Blessed are the people who make the Lord their trust.


There are three Psalms in the Bible which are inspiring.

They are inspiring because they tell of the blessings, protection and goodness that follow you when you follow Him. 
Psalm 23 tells of the blessings we receive when we have our Lord Jesus as our Shepherd. 
Secondly, Psalm 91 is the psalm of protection, which makes explicit the protection that our Lord gives us when we take refuge in Him. 
Thirdly, Psalm 121 is the psalm which gives us the assurance of the goodness that follows us when we lift our eyes unto the Hill from whence comes our help.

 
Let our Lord be our Shepherd. Let Him be the overseer of our souls, that we may lead a blessed, joyful and fruitful life. 

Remember: "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!" (Psalms 80:1)
 ~Author Unknown~

Just watch the picture change.....

Have a wonderful day in the Lord's grace.