Names Of God - The Good Shepherd

There is so much to learn about the ways of God and who He is. So, I am always thrilled when I come across something that will help me achieve my goal.

Learning that He is a good shepherd and how that applies to my life is almost more than I can bare! 

But I am thankful for the revelation the Holy Spirit pours out on and shows different things to people in different ways depending on their need.

I am forever grateful that I serve and get to know the good shepherd who will leave His flock to come and bring me home again without condemning me in the process for this is just one thing amazing about the Savior of the universe.

God Bless.

Names of God

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

- Psalm 23:1

Often the impression that people have of God in the Old Testament is that he is all fire and brimstone, judgment and holiness; but here we see a hint of his humility, condescension, and intimacy. The Lord is my shepherd.

Embedded in this pastoral imagery are two clear lessons regarding, first, the predicament of the sheep and, second, the provision of the shepherd. The very statement "I shall not want because the Lord is my shepherd" implies a cavernous need without the shepherd. Indeed, all sheep are quite helpless without their protector and provider close by.

In comparing us to sheep, the psalmist suggests the danger that we are in (sheep have no claws or other natural defenses), the understanding we lack (sheep are stupid animals), the direction we need (sheep can't hunt or find their own way), and the frailty we show (sheep are relatively fragile creatures). We need a shepherd to provide for us, direct us, help us, feed us.

Remember this is your condition, dear reader, without your Shepherd. We are sheep in our understanding, vulnerability, and weakness. Therefore, when you least understand God's will -- when it frustrates you the most, when it seems the most contrary to all that you desire -- know this... it is at that moment that you are most wrong about what is good for you. Do not try to go your own way: follow your Shepherd and trust in his wisdom.

The good shepherd is watchful, he is faithful, he is tender; he knows his sheep intimately, and he is willing to sacrifice for them (remember how David risked his life to save one sheep from a lion and a bear?). Our good Shepherd provides for every need of each of his sheep, and he is intimately acquainted with our condition. He tenderly follows and embraces us when we go astray.

Can you say today, "the Lord is my shepherd?" If so, then rest assured: you shall not want.

 http://www.baptistbiblehour.org/resources/devotional/names-of-god/