The Good Shepherd
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
A modern-day shepherd was tending his sheep at the edge of a road. A Jeep pulled up and the driver got out. He asked, “If I can guess how many sheep you have, will you give me one?” The shepherd agreed. The young man launched a drone connected to special software that counted the sheep for him. He walked over to the shepherd and said, “You have exactly 1,586 sheep.” The shepherd answered, “I can’t believe it! You’re right.” The young man picked up one of the animals, but the shepherd said “If I can guess your profession, will you repay me?” The driver answered “Sure, go ahead and try.” The shepherd said, “You’re a consultant.” The man was shocked! “That’s right . . . but how did you know?” The shepherd responded, “Very simple. You came here to tell me something without being invited, you charged me for information I already knew, and you no nothing about my business. I’ll take my dog back.
Is it possible that we know so little about our wonderful Shepherd because, like that businessman, we know very little about sheep? Our Lord, the Good Shepherd, knows His business; furthermore, He is masterful at His care for the sheep. He provides green pasture when life is a desert. He offered rest when our soul is restless and fearful. He provides still water when our problems are churning. He anoints with oil when we are sick and needy. Ask God to help you see Him as a caring, nurturing Shepherd.