If you happen to not be familiar with the amazing Psalm 23, please take a moment today to look it up and read it slowly. Each chapter of this wonderful book breaks down this song from David by phrase, so today we will begin with “The Lord is my Shepherd.”
First question: what does this really mean? I would venture a guess that many people who call themselves “Christians” would agree that Jesus is their Good Shepherd, especially since Jesus Himself gave Himself this title. (see Jn 10:11-16) Yet how many of us ACT like this is Truth? If Jesus is to truly be our Good Shepherd then that means we are the sheep of Jesus, right? Well that means He owns us. How many of us are prepared to admit this reality? But here is the thing, this Shepherd, our Owner, our Master is also gentle and meek. He never demands or forces Himself upon us. Instead, as Mr Keller says, we are “…the object of His concern and diligent care.” (p15) It is both God’s desire and design to be our leader, guiding our thoughts, words and deeds, so we may reflect His own, as well as reap all the goodness from life as we follow His Way. Yet I am not sure we really understand WHO Jesus is.
This author says, “Our view of Him is often too small – too cramped – to provincial – too human. And because of that, we feel unwilling to allow Him to have authority or control – much less outright ownership of our lives.” (p16) Yet this is the rightful position of a shepherd: he owns his sheep. And because they are precious to him, he also takes excellent care of his flock, no matter how much they fight against his ownership. It is this struggle against God that makes our Christian walk so challenging. I know from experience that, every time I try to have my way, or loose control of myself, or think I know better than God etc, etc, I get into trouble, as “death comes upon me.” You know, those feelings of depression and frustration and anger and so on. But my Good Shepherd is always forever at my side to pick me up, clean me up and move me forward in my journey with Him.
Let us do ourselves a favor, as well as honor Jesus today: let’s choose to surrender to Christ as our Lord. He is the only one who deserves this position. He is the only one who paid the high price in order to have this position. And He is the only one who can make us, and our lives, the Abundant Life it was always meant to be. Today let’s say it like we really mean it: the Lord is my Shepherd!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
