The Lord Is My Shepherd

The 23rd Psalm is one of the best known and most beloved in the Bible. The psalmist David was a shepherd before he became king and it was from his experiences in that humble position, he was able to pen this psalm. Even though most of you already know it by heart, I think it fitting to reproduce the words here:

  The LORD is my shepherd ; I shall not want . 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 

he leadeth me beside the still waters.  

 He restoreth my soul: 

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies :

 thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever .

This Psalm speaks of all the things the shepherd does for his sheep. He provides, comforts, cares for and protects the sheep. It is the same with Jesus. He is our provider, our caregiver, our comforter and our protector. He is always by our side. Just as a shepherd never leaves His sheep, Jesus never leaves us. He says,  "I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28 : 20).

Even though it is not mentioned here, Jesus referred to Himself many times as the Good Shepherd. In John 10: 11, he says, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." On Good Friday we observed  Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. He willingly gave his life for us, His sheep. And on Easter Sunday we will celebrate His glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven.

As Christians we have a lot to rejoice over. He is risen! And when He returns for His sheep, He will take us to  dwell in the house of the LORD for ever . Amen! 

Happy Easter!