The Good Shepherd

Jesus is the Good Shepherd

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Today we will be going through Psalm 23 to see how Jesus’ claim here is true in our lives… that Jesus truly is our Good Shepherd.

Most of what I will be sharing is based on Phillip Keller’s book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23”. Philip Keller is a pastor who grew up in East Africa surrounded by many shepherds. Likewise, when he was a little older, Phillip spent several years shepherding his own flock.

Read Psalm 23 -

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

We are going to take this one phrase at a time!

“The Lord is my Shepherd”

David who was one of the kings of Israel wrote this psalm. It was natural for him to write with this context in mind because David was a shepherd himself who was called from the fields when he was anointed by the prophet Samuel.

Here in this first short statement, David was making it clear who his Shepherd was. Who was his overseer and manager? It was the LORD. There was no mistaking this for any other god or person. It was Jehovah…The LORD!

Question: Is it difficult for you to submit yourself under the care and leadership of Jesus?

It is a crazy thought that the very God of the Bible who created all the earth would take notice of me and desire to Shepherd and care for me. As you get to know this God more personally, you will likely share in with David’s statement. It is as though his lips are dripping with excitement to share that the God of the whole world is his Shepherd. David was making a great boast in God through this statement.

Question: Can you confidently make this same claim that Jesus is you Shepherd?

How am I one of God’s sheep? It is nothing short of God’s grace that He chose to make us the object of His affection. How could he acquire me as one of His own flock? He paid a very high price to purchase me back. Jesus shares with us that the “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11b).

Why would God choose to call us sheep?

When you study about the habits and nature of a sheep, it is no surprise why God would compare us to these creatures. Sheep are very stupid. They have no defense mechanism beside attempting to run away. They are stubborn and they require a lot of care and attention.

It is a sad recognition that many people falsely believe that they are under the care of Jesus as their Shepherd.

Jesus Himself warned us that there would come a day when many would say, “Lord, in Your name we did many wonderful things,” but He will retort that He never knew them as His own.

I don’t share this that you would doubt your salvation. Rather I share it so that you can honestly examine yourself and see if you have truly surrendered your life to Jesus.

Perhaps you can consider these questions:

Do I really belong to Him?

Do I really recognize His right to me?

Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership?

Do I find freedom and complete fulfillment in this arrangement?

Do I sense a purpose and deep contentment because I am under His direction?

Do I know rest and repose, besides a definite sense of exciting adventure, in belonging to Him?

If so, then with genuine gratitude and exaltation I can exclaim proudly, just as David did, “The Lord is my shepherd!” And I’m thrilled to belong to Him, for it is thus that I shall flourish and thrive no matter what life may bring to me.

“I Shall Not Be in Want”

This is a very bold statement for David to make.

Likewise it is important that we understand what David means by this. When we look at the life of David, he experienced many times of need. He was pursued by Saul for many years and at one point he was even on the run from his own son. Likewise Jesus tells us in the NT that the Christian life will be difficult. Many believers including Paul experienced material need and poverty. Based on these things, I do not believe that David is speaking of material wealth or poverty.

Rather, it appears that this is speaking to our contentment in Christ. And Paul shares that contentment is the secret to living whether it be in need or in plenty. When you are content in Christ you are not unsettled in your search for peace or comfort in any other thing. You are not longer in want.

In the midst of hardships, you can boast, “I shall not be in want”, for I am in the care of the Good Shepherd.

When sincere Christians face financial, relational and many other difficulties, they should be characterized by peace and contentment. For they do not have a negligent overseer or caretaker.

When one is acquainted with the practice of shepherding, it is clear the the care and wellbeing of the flock is entirely dependent on the shepherd. Keller shares about one of his neighbors who was negligent. He did not care for his sheep well. As a result, the land became barren, and the sheep fell victim to dogs and other predators. They lacked proper shelter and food, and they drank from muddy watering holes.

Why should this shepherd pay such close attention? After all, to him, they were merely animals awaiting the slaughterhouse. They lacked care and concern from their shepherd.

Jesus, however, loves His sheep for His own sake and for that of the sheep themselves. If necessary, a good shepherd is willing to stay in the fields with his sheep 24 hours a day. This is what Jesus does. His Spirit never leaves us, but rather never ceases or rests from His care for our lives. A good shepherd does whatever is necessary, no matter the cost to ensure that his flock has shelter, food, and water. Jesus is this Good Shepherd who stops at no cost to ensure the care of His people.

Consider John 10:10 which shows that Jesus came that we may have “may have life and have it abundantly.”

No cost was too great for Him.

Similarly, consider Psalm 121:3 which say that “He who keeps you will not slumber.” His care is constant.

What is interesting, is the fact that although Jesus provides such great care for His people, there are many who are unwilling to be under His control. These are the “fence crawlers” or “carnal Christians” who want one foot in each door. One with God and one with the world. They always think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

***Share story about the fence crawling sheep that always wanted to be in the neighbor’s pasture. But his pasture was terrible. This sheep was non-content and even though she had some of the best grazing in the whole area due to Keller’s diligent care of the fields. She always escaped. Not only was this a problem, but some of the other sheep began following her. They would leave the rich and lush grass to go to the burned and over grown land that was dirty and unkempt. It became such a problem that eventually for the sake of his flock, Keller had to get rid of this sheep. This one sheep could not ruin the operation of the entire flock.

Question: What about you? Are you like this fence-crawler who lacks contentment in the diligent and wonderful care of the Good Shepherd? Who is playing the fence with the world to find satisfaction in things that are sinful? Or are you like David who can claim that: The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not be in want!

“He makes me lie down in green pastures”

An interesting thing about sheep is that they are unwilling to lie down unless they are free of all fear. In addition, sheep are themselves very fretful creatures. Just the smallest disturbance or sudden noise could cause an entire flock of sheep to sudden stampede down the hill. Keller shares that when pregnant sheep are frightened and running away with the flock, they can easily stumble. As a result the unborn lambs can die. Such a loss to a shepherd is devastating. One morning Keller awoke to find 9 lambs dead because the sheep were spooked by a cougar. Keller was devastated and consequently began sleeping next to his rifle and would rush outside at nearly any disturbing noise he heard.

In addition, Keller soon discovered that nothing else could settle and calm his flock as well as his presence.

In the Christian life, there are few things that can dispel fear like sensing the presence of God in our situations. In the world today, disasters or terrible things could happen at literally any moment. We could live in constant anxiety or in a calm confidence. Which will it be?

Praise God that the Good Shepherd makes us lie down. He doesn’t ask here, but rather it says that He makes us lie down. God grants us peace to be at rest.

It is a special thing that at one moment the flock can be in a panic, but upon the arrival of the shepherd, they will be at rest. When storms arise in our lives, we need only remember that the Good Shepherd is with us, and He is in control!

Consider these verses:

2 Timothy 1:7 “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

In addition to fear, Sheep are unable to lie down when there is conflict within the flock. Sheep have a “pecking-order” similar to that of chickens. The fight to establish dominance for better sleeping, feeding or watering positions etc. This puts them at unrest. However, Keller mentions that it is unbelievable the behavior change when he shows up. The presence of the shepherd corrects the foolish and boasting behavior of the flock.

Like sheep, we are selfish and look out for #1…me! This causes a lack of rest in our lives when we are always on the lookout to try to provide what is best for ourselves rather than be content with God’s care. Keller shares that the sheep who are on the bottom of the “Butting-order” are in fact the ones who enjoy more peace and rest because they are not fighting to put themselves first.

“When my eyes are on my master, they are not on those around me. This is the place of peace.”

Likewise, it is important to remember that in the end, only God’s opinion of me really matters. The freedom of self-forgetfulness.

The third reason for unrest amongst a flock is from the annoyance of insects. These nasal flies will go up a sheep’s nose and into their skull and cause this great disturbance to the sheep. These sheep will run into the trees and bushes in an attempt to flee from the annoyance of insects.

A good shepherd is on the lookout for signs of non- comfort and will rush to alleviate the annoyance through the application of oils and insect repellants.

In Modern terms, people who are being annoyed will often say the phrase “I am being bugged!” Or these things “bug me”.

How do we avoid a life of constantly being annoyed by the little things? You find contentment in Christ.

A biblical response would be to turn to God and say: “O Master, this is beyond me—I can’t cope with it. It’s bugging me. I can’t rest. Please take over!”

The fourth reason a sheep cannot rest is when they are hungry. Over in this part of the world, finding lush green grass is not an easy thing. Rather it can be very dry and the grass brown. Therefore, a shepherd would have to work diligently to remove rocks, roots, and non-beneficial brush. Sometimes they will need to dig and irrigate the field with water so that the grass can grow and be green.

When there is little healthy grass available, the sheep will be at unrest seeking to find food. All of this searching only burns more fuel and leads to a less healthy animal.

Sometimes in the Christian life, God has to uproot the bitterness in our hearts and move the rocks of unbelief. Break the clay-like pride in our heart so that He can allow us to be satisfied in Him and finally rest. Sometimes we prefer to try to find green grass in the desert when God has a lush field before us.

Praise God that He is a good shepherd and makes us lie down in green pastures.

“He leads me beside quiet waters”

Similar to the previous point, some of these areas are semiarid and therefore the sheep will need more than just green grass. They will also need water. This is especially true for those will long coats of wool.

Scripture also points out that the soul thirsts for the Spirit of the living God.

Psalm 42:1 “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”

Likewise, our thirst will only be quenched when we drink from the living well of Jesus Christ. Think of the woman at the well who found “Living Water”.

It is rather interesting that a sheep can survive for months without actually drinking any water. If they can eat grass that is drenched in dew, they will satisfied. Therefore a diligent shepherd must ensure that his flock is able to graze on proper dew covered fields early in the morning. When the sun comes and licks away the remaining dew, the sheep will retire in the shade and rest. They are content with food and water now. Nothing made Keller happier than to see his flock satisfied.

I believe that the same is true of God. When he cares for us and sees that we are finding our satisfaction and peace in Him, He must be greatly delighted. For He loves to see that we are well cared for and at rest in Him.

Question: Are you slowly withering away because you thirst for satisfaction but never find it?

Listen to the words of Jeremiah the prophet: Jeremiah 2:13 “for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Have you forsaken the Living Water for a substitute that never quenches your thirst?

Keller shares a story about a herd of sheep that were walking down a path. They were on their way to a wonderful mountain stream of water. However, along the way several of the sheep stopped at these mud puddles to get something to drink. Rather than being led to the stream of fresh water, they drank from the feces infested water that was contaminated with Nematodes that would give them parasites and reek havoc on the sheep.

Similarly, we also are unwilling to be led by God. We stop at the “mud puddles” thinking that there is no particular harm to try out this sin… maybe it will satisfy? However, what we don’t realize is that the consequences of sin often take some time. Just like those parasites. But they are destructive in our lives.

Would you be willing to be led by the good Shepherd? He wants to lead you beside peaceful streams!

“He Restores My Soul”

You may wonder why anyone in the care of the Good Shepherd would need restoration. However, Jesus made it very clear that in this life there will be many hardships when we follow Him. David was quite familiar with feeling down and rejected.

In Psalm 42:11 The psalmist is asking himself, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

A Shepherd is familiar with this term of being “down cast”. For a “cast” sheep is one that has gotten stuck on its back and unable to roll back to its feet. It is a pathetic sight to see a sheep that is cast and helpless to stand on its own. If left for too long, the sheep will die.

Therefore, it is a good shepherd’s responsibility to keep count of his sheep. If one or two is missing, one of the first thoughts is: “one of my sheep is cast somewhere. I must find it quickly.”

This helps relate the imagery when Jesus says that he leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep. The search is one of great concern and when they are found, there is such delight in restoring the sheep to himself. When the sheep was found, Keller would turn the sheep upright and have to rub its legs in order to restore proper blood flow. While he was doing this, he would gently talk to his sheep. He would wait as the sheep stumble a bit before regaining movement and running off to join the flock.

Have you ever felt yourself far from God? In desperation calling out to Him pleading for Him to help you.

“Help me, Oh God! I am cast down! I Need you!”

Suddenly you sense His presence and hear His gentle voice in your life…restoring your soul.

I’m not entirely sure why, but many Christians believe that if they have done something wrong or have fallen in their Christian walk, then God is surely angry with them…disappointed… fed up with them.

How wrong they are. They do not have in mind the Good Shepherd who has the same attitude as Keller when one of his sheep was cast. Searching with great care and being greatly delighted when He finds you and restores you.

When you read the life of Jesus, He was constantly going around and caring for the most rejected people of society… restoring them and caring for them. This is the Good Shepherd.

When you find yourself “cast”, make sure that you response it to always call out the Good Shepherd. For He finds great joy in restoring His sheep.

Despite God’s quick care to restore us, being cast is not a fun place to be. Therefore, we should be careful to prevent ourselves from being in a situation which will cause us to fall. Sheep enjoy finding little hollow spots in the ground to lay down. However it then becomes very easy for them to roll over and become stuck.

Similarly, we love to find the comfy spot in the Christian life. Where there is no hardship or difficulty. But in these places of “comfort” and “easiness” it is very easy to stumble and become cast.

Similarly, wool has a dangerous effect. When a sheep’s wool becomes heavy and thick, it can easily accumulate mud and briars and other nasty things that weigh down the sheep even more. With all this extra weight, it can become even easier to roll over and become stuck.

In a spiritual sense, a sheep’s wool is like our old-self… our pride… it becomes very heavy and starts to accumulate all of this junk that is weighing us down. It causes us to stumble and sin.

The only solution is to cut it off.

A sheep does not particularly enjoy being sheered. But when it is done, there is great relief. There is a heavy weight removed from them and especially from all of the heat of the sun. Likewise, the mud, brambles, ticks etc. have now been removed. What a relief.

The same is true for our lives. It is not often enjoyable to receive the discipline of God, but when He removes those burdens and removes the sin from our life…what a relief!

There is no relief like when God restores our souls!

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake”

Sheep are creatures of habit and they will run the same paths over and over again until they have ruined their land. There are no other animals that require more careful handling and direction as sheep.

A good shepherd must rotate his flocks and put them in differing fields so that they will not completely destroy their land. In fact a shepherd’s reputation in based on his ability to keep his flock moving and therefore keep them and their field healthy.

It is interesting that the reason He guides us is for His glory. God is for God! He deserves to be glorified through our lives. Look at what he has done for us…and it was done that He may receive glory. No one else deserves it. Praise God that we will also one day get to share in Jesus’ glory because of what He has done on our behalf.

Isaiah 53:6 tells us that we all “like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way”

We refuse to listen to others and love to insist that our way of doing things is the best way. However, it is ironic that our insistence upon our own ways often leads to our downfall. We love to follow those same old beat up paths until the land is barren. Why do we refuse to follow the Good Shepherds guidance?

Are you willing to stop insisting your own path which leads to destruction and enjoy the paths of righteousness which God is seeking to lead you down?

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear not evil, for you are with me”

It was common for shepherds to set out with their flocks and travel through these valleys in order to reach the mountaintops where the grazing was incredible. By the end of summer, the flocks would be enjoying the mountain grasses. Once fall sets in and snow starts to come, the shepherd is forced to drive the sheep back to the home ranch for the winter.

During these “drives” the shepherd was alone with his sheep. It was an intimate time where he cared for and watched over them.

This was important. For during these travel times in the valleys, there were many different types of dangers facing the flock. There could be rock slides, floods, sudden storms, and lots of lurking predators. However, a good shepherd was always prepared.

In the Christian life, we want these “mountain top” experiences with God. And they truly are enjoyable. However, in order to reach the mountain top, you have to travel through the valleys. Many Christians are blinded to this fact and become angry that they are facing difficult times and not always on “spirituals highs” where they feel super close to God.

These valleys can be very scary and dangerous. However, it is important to notice the phrasing…we do not stop in the valley or die there, but rather we walk THROUGH them. And Jesus our Good Shepherd is diligent to care for us as we are walking through them.

When we are walking through the difficult valleys, we must remember where we are headed… to the mountain top. It is often through the trials of life that learn the most valuable lessons and learn to cling to God the most. He has something far greater for me than sin has to offer. Am I willing to take this trek to the mountain top and trust Him along the way?

In a word of wisdom, Keller advises that although nobody wants to experience the valleys, we must not scorn the idea of going through them…Why? Because we know that the outcome is for our good and the good of others.

When you are going through something difficult, you are probably not going to find comfort from someone who is unable to relate with you. However, if someone has walked your path in the past, they will be able to give you advise and help that others cannot. Someone in the future is going to need your help at some point…therefore, don’t refuse to walk through the valleys with God. Something greater always awaits and there is no joy like being refreshed in Him when we reach the top.

However, it is important to note that a reason why shepherds take sheep along the valleys is because they often provide great watering sections to refresh the sheep.

You don’t walk walk through the valleys without a constant source to provide refreshment. Jesus is with you the whole time… so drink often (pray, be in the Word, etc.).

It is a wonderful thing to look back on the events of my life and see when God refreshed me in the midst of my hardships.... He has always been faithful.

The basic question is not whether we have many or few valleys. It is not whether those valleys are dark or merely dim with shadows. The question is how do I react to them? How do I go through them? How do I cope with the calamities that come my way? With Christ I face them calmly. With His gracious Spirit to guide me I face them fearlessly.I know of a surety that only through them can I possibly travel on to higher ground with God. In this way not only shall I be blessed, but in turn I will become a benediction to others around me who may live in fear.

“Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me”

In the middle east, a shepherd carries a rod and a staff.

The rod was much shorter than the staff and greatly resembled a club. It represents the power and authority of the shepherd. It was used for defense against predators and also to discipline the way-word sheep.

These native shepherds were highly skilled at not only hitting with their rods but also at throwing them. Keller speaks of how impressed he was at the accuracy and speed at which the native shepherds could throw and strike a predator. He gives an example of moving a large bolder and upon a cobra coming out from beneath, there was little hesitation from the little shepherd at striking down the snake in an instance.

Although the rod was a great defense weapon, it would also be used to count and inspect the sheep from any underlying conditions that could be hidden by their wool. This is what was implied when a sheep “passed under the rod”

In addition, the rod was used to discipline. If a sheep was to wonder from the herd and start to eat a poisonous weed, off the club would fly through the air and send the sheep running to rejoin the herd.

Similarly, the Bible is a rod to us. It evaluates our lives and exposes our sin even when it looks like we can hide it from everyone else. In addition, it protects us from the schemes of Satan. Finally it brings correction and helps bring conviction into our lives when we turn from God. The Bible is like an extension of God’s hand just as a club is that from a shepherds.

The staff, however, was a sign of compassion and concern for the sheep.

A staff is used to reach out and grab a sheep when they have fallen from the path. It is used to grab a lamb that was separated from its mothers..and return it. It was used to draw a sheep near so that it could be examined. Similarly it could be put along the body of a sheep to direct it in the way to go.

To feel the staff of the shepherd was a great comfort to a sheep.

The staff is comparable to the Holy Spirit which brings comfort and closeness to God. Likewise, it guides us and shows us the path to take. The Holy Spirit leads us in the paths to walk.

It is interesting that sometimes a shepherd would extend his staff to some of his favorite or “pet” sheep so as to let it know that it was in contact with the shepherd. The sheep loved this special treatment. It was a sign of intimacy between the sheep and the shepherd.

Have you ever experienced the hand of God come along and give you an overwhelming sense of peace and happiness?

“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me”

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

As we had speaking of, the sheep are on this journey through the valleys to arrive at these mountaintops. When translated into english, these mountain top fields were referred to as a “table”.

However, these fields were often filled with these little pretty flowers that although they were beautiful, were actually poisonous. Therefore the shepherd would have to take several journeys before Summer in order to prepare the “table” for his sheep. This included cleaning up the fields and spending hours plucking each of these poisonous plants out of the ground. This was a long and exhausting process.

Even though they were at this mountain top in the beautiful land and had passed through the valleys, there was still danger lurking. Predators would be sneaking and crawling around ready to strike at unexpected moments. Keller shares stories about finding his sheep either killed or injured from the cougars which would lurk.

In a spiritual manner, Jesus has gone before us to prepare our “table”. Jesus became a man and experienced much time in suffering and pain to prepare something beautiful for our lives. Jesus was referred to as a man of sorrow and suffering. With his blood and sacrifice, Jesus has prepared our table.

Likewise, Satan is lurking around. He is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Praise God that we have the Good Shepherd who has given us His Word and His presence to protect us from the schemes of Satan. Scripture tells us that we will never encounter a temptation that is impossible to be avoided. The key is turning to the Good Shepherd for His help.

“You Have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows”

As previously mentioned, bugs can have a devastating affect on a herd. If the nasal flies are able to land on a sheep’s nose and successfully lay their eggs, the hatched flies will crawl their way up into the sheep’s head and get into the flesh of the sheep. This will cause inflammation and extreme irritation. The sheep will be desperate to alleviate the irritation. Summer time would be referred to as “Fly time” as they are especially destructive then.

Some of the sheep will run around with their heads in the air until the drop from exhaustion. Others will run into bushes or even bang their heads against trees. Some die from doing so. Others stop milking their lambs as they should. Others lose a lot of weight.

A good shepherd must be on the lookout to notice any signs of fly destruction in his flock.

Upon seeing these behaviors, Keller would concoct a special ointment that he would pour over the heads of his sheep. It was remarkable how immediately it stopped the irritation. He would then have to reapply as needed.

Similarly, we have these “flies” in life. The little distractions which can cause our behavior to become erratic and unreasonable. Therefore we must turn to God and ask Him to allow His Spirit to calm and alleviate our anger and frustrations. Like the case with the sheep. Simply receiving the Holy Spirit upon salvation is not a one and done method. We must daily ask the Spirit to renew our minds into the likeness of Christ. Reapply. And reapply again.

Similarly, a disease called “scab” could quickly spread through the flock as it would get on the head of the sheep and be spread as they rub heads (which they enjoy doing). To great expense and effort, the shepherd would have to cover the sheep’s body and especially their head in an ointment.

It is often as Christians that we go and “rub heads” with sinful and ungodly people. Even though we know the danger of spending too much time with sinful people, we do it anyways. (Its good to be a good influence to them…but not be influenced by them… Jesus is the perfect example). When we walk away from these situations, we find ourselves infected by their behavior and speech. We must be washed by Spirit and renewed to repentance.

However, when we are relieved from these “flies” and “scabs”, we are able to find contentment and peace. Suddenly we realize that our cups are overflowing with goodness.

My Shepherd is alert to every approaching disaster that threatens His people. He has been through the storms of suffering before. He bore our sorrows and was acquainted with our grief.And now no matter what storms I face, His very life and strength and vitality is poured into mine. It overflows so the cup of my life runs over with His life . . . often with great blessing and benefit to others who see me stand up so well in the midst of trials and suffering.

“Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life”

This thought is built upon all that we have spoken about. It is from the care, reputation, sacrifice, and affection of the Good Shepherd. No matter what goes on in my life, I am convinced that goodness and love and will follow me…why? Because this is how the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.

Consider Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

It is important to recognize here that goodness does not often mean my financial prosperity. Rather my good is to be made more like Christ. With this perspective, I can enter trials and hardships knowing that the only outcome is my good… my sanctification in being made more like Jesus through learning patience, love, trust, hope, etc.

In addition, it should be noted that the kindness and goodness which flows into our lives from God should also be manifested to others. It should literally follow behind me wherever I go. When I encounter someone, what taste is left behind? One that makes someone angry or bitter? Or a gentleness and love that causes someone to pursue God?

Don’t forget that sheep are one of the creatures that can be most destructive to a land if they are not managed well by their shepherd. However, they also have potential for being one of the most beneficial livestock. For if they are well cared for, their manure is extremely beneficial to a field. Likewise, they are great at eating the obnoxious weed that would formerly overtake a field. But due to their grazing, they can make a field beautiful and thrive again.

They question now turns to me… do I leave blessings in the lives of others around me that I encounter? Do I leave things more beautiful than I found them?

Is my memory, in other people’s minds, entwined with mercy and goodness, or would they rather forget me altogether?

Sometimes it is profitable to ask ourselves such simple questions as:

“Do I leave behind peace in lives—or turmoil?”

“Do I leave behind forgiveness—or bitterness?”

“Do I leave behind contentment—or conflict?”

“Do I leave behind flowers of joy—or frustration?”

“Do I leave behind love—or rancor?”

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”

David began the psalm with a great boast that the Lord was his shepherd. Here he concludes it with another boast. This one is rich in showing David’s contentment in being in the care of his shepherd. There is no other flock with which he would want to belong. He was pleased to dwell under his shepherd’s care. There was no other place that he would rather be than in the presence and care of the LORD.

We really should be more like David here. Why do we fail to go and declare to others the magnificent things that God has done in our lives… the valleys he has led us through…the mountain tops which He prepared for us… the flies and diseases He has given us relief from?

Keller goes on to share that it was such a sad sight seeing his neighbor’s sheep. Specifically during the winter when it was cold and they were very malnourished from lack of food and shelter. These sheep would stand right at the fence and look at the green fields of lush grass which he provided for his sheep. On occasion, when the ocean tide when down enough, some of the neighbors sheep were able to find a way around the fence and into his field.

Upon entering, they would gorge themselves on the lush grass until they became sick. Their stomachs could not endure the exposure to such rich food after being starved. Unfortunately, Keller remembers an incident when he found some of his neighbor’s sheep in his field and he returned them to his neighbor who immediately took out a knife and killed the sheep.

How similar this seems to satan. He enjoys seeing people suffer and starve when there are lush field just on the other side. For the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

If only those sheep had belonged to Keller, then they could have walked in through the gate. But he was not their shepherd. They did not belong to him.

So many people today are like those sheep. They want life and life to the abundance, but instead of going to the gate, they try to sneak in. They try to find their own means of achieving and finding joy. But there is only one way in… the gate. Jesus says in John 10:9 “I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”

How many people “on the other side of the gate” (The unsaved) do we come into contact with on a daily basis? Do I leave them wanting life. Do they see my life and the great care which my shepherd has taken for me? Does my conversation and behavior reflect something about my shepherd? Do I lead them to the gate..that is to Jesus. For he is the only way in.

Conclusion:

Based on everything that we have learned today, are you able to say to yourself and others:

Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I hope you have found some truth and comfort today in remembering who your Shepherd is. Don’t forget that He stops at no cost to care for his sheep…but are you willing to surrender yourself to His care? What do you need to let go of in order to do so?

Closing Prayer!