The Good Shepherd
While reading Israel's blessing over Joseph’s children in Genesis chapter 48, I specifically noticed a beautiful line in his blessing when Israel referred to God as “the God who has been my shepherd all my life long.” In that moment, I remembered several references to Christ as a shepherd throughout the Bible. Jesus calls himself “the Good Shepherd” in John 10:11, and most know Psalm 23 by heart where David writes, “The Lord is my shepherd. I have all I need.”
What exactly is the role of a good shepherd?
Throughout history, a good shepherd has been one that ensures the safety and well being of his flock in three different ways: Nourishment, Protection, & Care.
Nourishment
A shepherd helps to nourish his flock by moving them to areas of fresh forage, surveying the area for poisonous food and thus avoiding those areas, and leading the flock to new grazing grounds each day for optimal nourishment.
How does Christ do this for us?
Sometimes, although uncomfortable, Christ moves us in a new and different direction, often for a variety of reasons. If the ground beneath us has grown stale and stagnant, Christ may move us to a place with new ideas and fresh friendships to serve in our growth and bring new nourishment on our spiritual journey. The Spirit often guides us away from things or people that could be toxic to our faith. The Spirit also steers us away from harmful tactics the enemy may wish to expose us to in order to divert us away from the flock, or the path God has for our lives. Christ leads us to new grazing grounds each day for optimal nourishment. This happens through our quiet time with Him and the daily bread he offers through His word. Each day, Christ brings refreshing water and sustenance for our souls to grow to look more like Him.
Protection
A good shepherd watches for and defends against predators that are seeking to steal or devour his sheep all the while ensuring the flock makes it back to the same area together at night for rest. Christ protects our minds and hearts as we apply His words to our daily living. The sheep recognize the voice of the shepherd and follow Him, trusting He is leading them to a place of safety and wellness. In Ephesians, it encourages us to put on the full armor of God to withstand the devil’s schemes. 1 Peter 5:8 says our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. May we learn to trust our Good Shepherd and the instruction of the Holy Spirit in our lives to protect and defend us. The Lord will bring us back together for rest in the evenings as we end our day focused on Him, His word, and the gratitude we hold in our hearts for the way He is working all things for good in our lives.
Care
A good shepherd genuinely cares for his flock. He searches for those that might be missing, sick, or wounded. He rescues those sheep who are lost, trapped, or entangled. We can easily see how Christ, our Good Shepherd, has sought us out in the midst of our lost moments and rescued us from the darkness that may have surrounded or entangled us. Many sheep know the voice of the shepherd but still somehow lose their way. Also, the Holy Spirit comforts those that may be sick or wounded. In Matthew 10:30, Jesus says "but the very hairs of your head are all numbered." He cares for each one of us, individually. Christ explains in John chapter 10 how he is the Good Shepherd who was willing to lay down His life for his sheep.
It was a beautiful moment in Israel's blessing when he references “The God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this very day.” Christ is our good shepherd.
May we follow Him.
May we listen for only His voice.
May we trust where He leads us.
May we be refreshed by the springs and forage He so graciously provides.
May we always remember that He will leave the 99 to search for 1,
and sometimes that 1 is you.
We can rest in knowing He is more delighted in finding and rescuing you,
than the 99 others who never wandered away. (Matthew 18:12-13)
