Sheep of the Shepherd

                                                               

Hello friends!

It has been a minute since I last wrote on the blog. Some days it feels like life is moving faster than me. Time just seems to be flying! Haha. 

Today, I would like to focus on the very first chapter from the Bible that my momma had me memorize: Psalm 23. This chapter has a special place in my heart and the Holy Spirit breathed new life on it for me in this past month. 

Please ask the Lord to show you what He would like to say to you personally through this passage of scripture. 

Let's dive in!

“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],

I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.

He refreshes and restores my soul (life);

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

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

You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.” 

Psalm 23 (Amplified Translation)

This passage was written by King David who had once been a shepherd. While his experience played a significant role in writing this psalm, it was not his only inspiration. The Holy Spirit inspired David to write about God being our Shepherd for a reason.

Shepherds are loving caretakers of their flocks. They care for their sheep with tenderness and dedication, unlike any other animal caretaker.

Here is something you must understand about sheep: sheep are not beasts of burden. You will never see sheep being used by their shepherd to pull carts or carry bundles. 

There is nothing heavy about being the sheep of a loving shepherd. 

In fact, when the wool of the sheep gets to be too cumbersome, the shepherd shears them. If the wool is not shorn regularly, it will eventually impede movement as well as put the sheep at risk for parasites or death from overheating. 

In the same way, we need Jesus to help us remove from our lives the things which weigh us down and hinder our ability to follow Him. 

There are things that want to attach to us and drain our lifeblood such as resentment, unforgiveness, disappointment, bitterness, pride, anger, or fear. These things are not worth holding onto for any reason.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” 

Matthew 11:28 (New Living Translation)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Hebrews 12:1 (New Living Translation)

Sheep do not determine where they go and they do not worry about where their future lies. 

You will never see a sheep with his head in between his hooves, worrying about the direction that the shepherd is leading the flock in. He is not wondering where his next meal will come from or whether the shepherd will remember to lead them to cool waters.

Sheep trust the shepherd to lead and guide them to where they need to be. The foundation for their trust is their firsthand experience of the care, gentleness, faithfulness, and goodness of their shepherd. 

You will never find a good shepherd driving his sheep with a whip. He does not have to.

Instead, he leads them patiently by his voice.

“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider]. The [a]doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture]. When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call.” 

John 10:2-4 (Amplified Translation)

While the terrains the sheep traverse to get to green pastures are not always easy, the shepherd is with them every step of the way. 

He never makes the sheep rush through harsh terrains, but lovingly guides them to a safe haven.

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." 

Deuteronomy 31:6 (New Living Translation)

Sheep do not fight their battles against the lion, bear, or other predators. They let their shepherd defend them. 

Have you ever seen sheep fight? That would be a pretty silly fight. Just a ball of fluff running and bleating at the top of their lungs. There is nothing intimidating about that.

This is why the strength of the fight belongs to the shepherd.

The shepherd would rather give up his life than allow any harm to come to the sheep. In the face of danger, the shepherd becomes a fierce protector.

If a mere man/woman would take such care of a simple animal, how much more will your Good Shepherd take care of you?

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” 

John 10:11 (New Living Translation)

When I was researching this topic for today’s blog, I came across the question, “Can sheep live without a shepherd?”

And this was what the experts wrote in response: “Sheep cannot live without the shepherd. They are entirely dependent on the shepherd for everything. They require constant care and watching over” (Farmbase, 2021).

It is the same for us, my friends. We cannot thrive a day without our Shepherd. 

So, why do we try to live life in our own strength? Why do we worry about tomorrow?

“Look! The one who is guarding Israel never sleeps and does not take naps.“

Psalm 121:4 (International Standard Version)

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

Matthew 6:34 (New Living Translation)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Philippians 4:6 (New Living Translation)

We all need to be reminded of Who we are walking with; to spend time getting to know Him - His voice and His character - for ourselves.

We do not have to worry about fighting the battles and enemies that have come against us. Just like the sheep, we just need to stand still and let God fight for us. 

We do not have to try to be strong enough. That is not what we were made for. 

We simply get to rest in the strength of our Good Shepherd.

Cheering you on,

Rose-Élise Melodie 

References:

Farming Base. (2021, April 19). Can Sheep Live Without a Shepherd? Farming Base. https://farmingbase.com/can-sheep-live-without-a-shepherd/.