<\/p>\n
“I am the Good Shepherd”<\/em>\u00a0(John 10:11)<\/p>\n As we approach Psalm 23 we need to understand that there are “good” shepherds and “bad” shepherds.\u00a0 When David writes, “The Lord<\/strong> is my Shepherd<\/em>“, he is talking about the only “good” Shepherd which is revealed to us in Jesus specifically.\u00a0 This “Good” Shepherd is described as One that knows His sheep and His sheep know Him (John 10:14).\u00a0 There are “bad” shepherds out there who do not have a relationship to the sheep.\u00a0 They prey on those who are wandering and looking for direction.\u00a0 They look to take advantage of those who are lonely and hurting.\u00a0 They have no interest in the well being of the sheep.\u00a0 They are self serving and are only interested in what is in it for them.\u00a0 They are cheap imitations.\u00a0 Bad shepherds.\u00a0 Jesus describes them as “hired hands” that do not “know” the sheep or care about them.<\/p>\n David’s opening statement is one of trust.\u00a0 “The Lord<\/strong> is my Shepherd<\/em>“.\u00a0 You can almost hear it in his voice.\u00a0 There is an element of peace that comes from knowing that He is the Good Shepherd.\u00a0 It brings the comfort that allows us to relax from the very beginning of the Psalm.\u00a0 Did you read it today?\u00a0 If not read it now.\u00a0 Let the words in that first phrase fill your mind and sink down into your heart.\u00a0 Can you feel the refreshing peace flow into your spirit?\u00a0 The “Lord”<\/strong> is your Shepherd.\u00a0 He is the Good Shepherd.\u00a0 You have made the right choice!\u00a0 He knows you and you know Him.<\/p>\n How is it that we know Him?\u00a0 Jesus says that the sheep follow Him because, “He calls His own sheep by name…and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice”<\/em> (John 10:3,4).\u00a0 Have you heard Jesus, The Good Shepherd, call your name?\u00a0 He knows you.\u00a0 He is calling.\u00a0 Do you recognize His voice?\u00a0 There is something deep inside you that knows He is the Good Shepherd.\u00a0 If you haven’t responded.\u00a0 Do it.\u00a0 You can trust Him.<\/p>\n He is the Good Shepherd!<\/p>\n Today meditate on the truth that the Lord is your Shepherd.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “I am the Good Shepherd”\u00a0(John 10:11) As we approach Psalm 23 we need to understand that there are “good” shepherds and “bad” shepherds.\u00a0 When David writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd“, he is talking about the only “good” Shepherd … Continue reading