Jesus says, “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD. The good shepherd LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. I am the good shepherd; I KNOW MY SHEEP AND MY SHEEP KNOW ME—” (John 10:11-14) “…the LORD is God. It is He who made us…THE SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE.“ (Psalms 100:3)
THIS IS WHAT THE GOOD SHEPHERD DOES FOR HIS SHEEP:
- HE IS A PROVIDER: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1) I will have no need to want because HE PROVIDES!
- HE PROVIDES CONTENTMENT AND PEACE: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” (Psalms 23:2)
- HE PROVIDES RESTORATION: “He restores my soul…” (Psalms 23:3a)
- HE PROVIDES GUIDANCE: “…He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” (Psalms 23:3b)
- HE PROVIDES PROTECTION: “Yea, 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, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4) Death is what brings us the most fear. But Jesus annihilated death when He conquered it on the cross! The Lord wants us to rest in the assurance that He’s our protector and provider OVER DEATH.
- HE PROVIDES COMFORT AND HEALING: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Psalms 23:5)
- HE PROVIDES A PROMISE: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.” (Psalms 23:6)
-Bill Stockham