-July 5, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Friday,
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
(Psalm 23:1).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, and Chief Shepherd. He loves us, His sheep, the people of His pasture.
David was himself a shepherd as a young lad who cared for his father Jesse’s sheep. He learned how to shepherd people by shepherding sheep. In fact, one of David’s titles was the shepherd of Israel.
Jesus is the best shepherd. He knows us, loves us, feeds us, and cares for us. We are like sheep. Sheep are not smart—they tend to wander, and can fall off a cliff to their demise. The shepherd knows each one of his sheep, and what their needs are, their personalities, and their tendencies.
David called the Lord, “My shepherd.” Even though our Shepherd has many sheep, He calls each of us by name and knows all about us. David also said, “I shall not want.” The word want in the Hebrew can be translated, “lack.”
All of us can say with David, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (lack).” He always provides for our needs, down to the smallest detail. There is no better shepherd than our Lord, and no pasture greater than His pasture.
Paul writing to the Philippians said, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He promises to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants.
Just as sheep need the constant care of their shepherd, so too, we need Him for everything. In the coming days we will consider together: the Shepherd’s voice, the Shepherd’s pasture, the Shepherd’s staff, and the Shepherd’s rod.
Have a blessed day in the Shepherd’s care. Stay safe and healthy.
There is nothing to fear when the Good Shepherd is near.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 