Meet the Shepherd

One of the first things I noticed about Joan Tremblay was her love of making her place look nice, with all kinds of color and bird houses all about. She was also very wonderful in making my wife and I feel welcome to this community many years ago. I enjoyed the Sunday evenings especially when she used to come to a home Bible study group, as she shared sweet fellowship with the others in the group.

She also understood about Jesus being her own Shepherd.

Let’s look at Psalm 23 for a bit.

The Lord is my shepherd . . . Joan knew that Jesus was her own personal shepherd. She understood the reality of the truth I shall not want. She had depended on the Lord to take care of her and help meet her needs for many years.

The Psalm goes on to say He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. Because of her relationship with Jesus Christ, she would have everything she would ever need. Whether it be that which makes us at peace or keeping us safe and away from troubled waters, Jesus will do that.

The Psalmist continues by stating: He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. We are reminded that the Shepherd, Jesus, is also concerned about our spiritual condition. This is actually the most important part, of which we can’t do anything about in ourselves. Joan had experienced the refreshment the moment she repented of her sins and had asked Jesus to take over her life.

Joan realized that when Jesus is your Shepherd, He will take care of you in every way.

This became very evident towards the end of Joan’s life on this earth, as the following verses became very real: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Joan was not able to be as independent as she had been used to being. Yet she could experience comfort from her Shepherd. There was no need to fear the end, for Jesus was with her the entire time.

Interestingly, we see in the next verse something quite interesting. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Not only is Jesus our friend, but we see that He is also a servant as He prepares the table.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life. Joan recognized God’s hand of blessing upon her life. So much so that this verse concludes with that blessed promise and hope: . . . and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

There is no greater blessing than to be with the One Who loves you and cares for you as no other. When Joan left this earthly home, because of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, she has the privilege of being with that Great Shepherd. I pray that each of you would have the opportunity to Meet the Shepherd.