Once again, read through the Psalm today. \u00a0Are you experiencing it anew each day? \u00a0Do you find that you are beginning to know it even better? \u00a0I was only 7 years old when a vacation Bible school teacher challenged us to memorize Psalm 23. \u00a0All who did received a New Testament with the Psalms. \u00a0I was able to do that and I still have that Bible. Memorizing God’s Word can be a discipline that brings sure rewards (and I don’t mean free Bibles) but “knowing” a passage because you have spent so much time there is even more rewarding. \u00a0Can you quote it yet?<\/p>\n
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“…for His name’s sake.”<\/em><\/p>\n The condition of a flock of sheep is a direct reflection of the Shepherd. \u00a0Determining whether a shepherd is “good” or “bad” is best done after observing the sheep. \u00a0If the sheep are dirty and malnourished we would not give very high ratings. \u00a0If there were injured sheep that were not being cared for we would question the level of concern that shepherd had for the sheep. \u00a0We do not blame the sheep. \u00a0We go to the shepherd. \u00a0“What kind of shepherd would let this happen?” \u00a0The condition of the sheep directly reflects on the shepherd.<\/p>\n So, it should come as no surprise that these beautiful things God does for us are for “His name’s sake”. \u00a0It is God’s reputation that is on the line. \u00a0He is the Shepherd and He is the Good Shepherd. \u00a0When we see sheep that have no needs unmet…sheep who lie down in green pastures…sheep who are led by quiet waters and whose soul’s are restored…sheep who are guided in paths of righteousness…we must say…”Wow. \u00a0Now they have a good shepherd!”<\/p>\n We tend to read and embrace the words of this Psalm for ourselves and our own comfort and that is their purpose, but we must also remember that we receive these wonderful things because the Lord is our Shepherd and He is GOOD! \u00a0Your condition as a believer has a direct reflection on the Shepherd.<\/p>\n How has your Shepherd been treating you? \u00a0Can others tell that you are under the care of the Good Shepherd? \u00a0Does your life showcase the blessings that this Psalm offers? \u00a0You are blessed for “His name’s sake”. \u00a0This is about God and how wonderful He is!<\/p>\n So, read the Psalm again. \u00a0This time read it focused on what is says about the Shepherd and not just what it says about the sheep. \u00a0I think you will find that you will say…”Wow. \u00a0We have a Good Shepherd!”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Once again, read through the Psalm today. \u00a0Are you experiencing it anew each day? \u00a0Do you find that you are beginning to know it even better? \u00a0I was only 7 years old when a vacation Bible school teacher challenged us … Continue reading