Who is Your Shepherd?

The 23^rd Psalm is cherished by every Christian, especially those with troubles or facing difficult times. Numerous Scriptures liken us to sheep, and all sheep need a shepherd. Psalm 23 tells us right away who best is to be our shepherd: The LORD (Literally in the original Hebrew it’s    יְהֹוָה      … (y^ehôvâh)  – God Himself):

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Yea, 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 runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.   ~Psalm 23 (NKJV)

I think the most intelligent Gospel writer was John, and he spends most of chapter 10 making sure we understand the shepherd of the 23^rd Psalm is Jesus.  He does so by quoting Jesus, here are some examples:

• “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
• “I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by my own.” John 10:14
• “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
• “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30 and “the father is in Me, and I in Him.” John 10:38

Notice the “I am” statements, which take us back to the voice of the burning bush in Exodus 3:14 where Moses asked God “What’s your name, who should I say sent me?” and God said “I AM”.

So that first statement in the 23^rd Psalm says Jesus is my shepherd, I shall not want any other shepherd than Jesus.

It is also wonderful to know the Shepherd (Jesus) is a real person, who lived here on earth, went through temptations and troubles just like we do (and more), so He can relate to ours: Hebrews 4:15.

He is with us: Matthew 28:20, helps us: Hebrews 13:6, guides us: John 10:3-5, restores our soul: Romans 10:9-10, gives us comfort and rest: Matthew 11:28-30, and gives us peace: Romans 12:1 & John 14:27.

The shepherd Jesus takes away our fear and anxiety too: Philippians 4:6-7, & Matthew 6:25-34. He will save us from the thief (Satan), and give us life and have it more abundantly with goodness and mercy: John 10:10.  Jesus is your shepherd if you KNOW Him, and He KNOWS you: John 10:27, here is how: Romans 10:9-14

Then here is something to look forward to: we will dwell with our Shepherd in His house forever: John 14:1-3

Do you want all the wonderful things described in the 23^rd Psalm? You can if Jesus is Your Shepherd because Jesus delivers them all!

So…do you call Jesus Your Shepherd? Does He call YOU by name?