Bread for the JourneySample

The Lord Will Always Shepherd Us

One of the relationships found in human experience, which is also used in Scripture about God's care for His children, is that of the shepherd and the sheep. So, the more we know about this relationship, the easier it will be for us to understand that precious bond that exists between the Good Shepherd of the sheep and us.

Among the most interesting facts we find about the shepherd, we can mention the following: The shepherd gives names to his sheep and knows them individually. He always goes ahead of them to protect them from danger, to lead them to good quality green pastures, and to clean, clear water. The shepherd is always careful that his sheep do not go astray, and if that happens, he goes after the stray until he finds it and brings it back to the fold.

How much this resembles Jesus' words to His disciples! “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11-15, NIV)

Before being the king of Israel, David was a shepherd of sheep, and there he had many experiences that made him greatly value his relationship with God. A proof of this is the beauty contained in Psalm 23; there we see the beautiful bond between David and his Lord. David begins by saying that the Lord is his shepherd and he lacks nothing. What faith! What confidence! The rest of the psalm is his confession of love, security, and dependence on his Good Shepherd.

Beloved, we cannot lose sight of the fact that Jesus is our Shepherd, and as His sheep, we are under His care. He guides and protects us continually. He keeps His eye on us, leads us to green pastures, heals our wounds, and supplies everything we need physically and spiritually.

Let's stay in the fold, surrounded by His grace and love. Let's obey His voice and walk closely with Him, knowing that His wisdom is much greater than ours. Let's rest in the truth that He restores our souls and guides us in paths of righteousness.

Let's make our own the words that God spoke to His people when He demanded their obedience and righteousness. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” (Isaiah 58:11, NIV)