Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord Is My Shepherd - our modern, sanitized world can obscure the grit and danger of what it was to be a sheep savior during biblical times. So many constant threats, from predators to weather. The dependence of a sheep can be almost insulting when we apply it to ourselves. But the inspiring promise of God’s guidance and might in Psalm 23 should stir us to embrace our ‘inner sheep’. If God is the shepherd, embodied in the goodness and love of Jesus, being part of the flock is admitting who we truly are and what we desperately need

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. 

"He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 overflows. 

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23 (NIV)

We can easily take for granted what’s contained within the best-known psalm.

You are totally across Psalm 23’s portrait of the God of everything as a personal comforter and protector.

But take a moment to stand back from familiarity and bask in the incredible glow of such intimacy and care.

Theologian and lecturer David Hohne shared about how the shepherd description of God points back to the roots of the psalm’s author (King David) and forward to ‘the Good Shepherd’ (Jesus).

Our modern, sanitised world can obscure the grit and danger of what it was to be a sheep saviour during biblical times.

So many constant threats, from predators to weather.

The dependence of a sheep can be almost insulting when we apply it to ourselves.

But the inspiring promise of God’s guidance and might in Psalm 23 should stir us to embrace our ‘inner sheep’.

If God is the shepherd, embodied in the goodness and love of Jesus, being part of the flock is admitting who we truly are and what we desperately need.

By Ben McEachen

In today's world real hope is hard to find. That's why Hope 103.2 exists: to bring the message of hope to our community through a family-friendly, safe listening environment.

We won't be quick to criticise or condemn. And we won't play on people's fears. Hope 103.2 will be ready to celebrate what's good in society and culture.

hope1032.com.au

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Our Lord Shepherds His Children - employing the most intimate metaphor the eternal Shepherd lives with His flock, devoting everything in His caring arsenal of benevolence to minister to us as our personal guide, physician, and protector, for His glory and honor. At the psalm’s beginning, the Lord’s name occupies the emphatic starting point. The word “my” reveals an unbreakable pledged relationship which even “dares to link” our Lord and His child with contentment’s result - “I shall never want”

Through the valley of the shadow of death - sheep do not understand the concept of death. They do understand that entering a dark valley can be dangerous. Even when we might have reason to be afraid, we do not need to fear, because God is with us, and will take care of us. Like a shepherd, he knows what He is doing and has our best interests in mind. “Valley of the shadow of death” is not the most accurate translation. A “dark valley” connects much better with sheep lying down in green pastures and beside quiet waters

Jesus is Before and Behind You - if you are in Christ, you are a new creation. The old is gone. The new has come. Now, when you look back over your shoulder, you don’t have to look at your past the same way. Goodness and mercy now follow you. His grace pursues you. And, when you look ahead, Jesus is there too. Scripture says that He both precedes and follows you; He places His hand of blessing upon your head. What love. Go forward in faith, believing that your future will be far more fruitful than your past