“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” -John 10:1
I recently witnessed a young child and his father walking together. The little boy was just big enough to be walking. As they were walking down the hall, the little boy was holding his father’s hand. The little boy was taking in all the sights as they walked along. He never looked in the direction they were walking, but he didn’t have to because he was holding his father’s hand. When the little boy would veer to the left or the right, the dad would gently pull him back and keep him safely walking by his side.
The job of a shepherd is much the same. Sheep easily wander off the path. They get lost and separated from the safety of the flock. The shepherd leads the way. They use their voice, music, or their staff to keep the sheep moving towards food, water, and safety. Throughout the scriptures, God is compared to a shepherd. Stories like that of Abraham show God leading the people from place to place. (Genesis 12) Often, God leads from a troubled location to a place of promise and hope. (Isaiah 43) The story of God’s children is filled with moments when God rescues us and leads us to a new place, a new life, filled with hope.
The 23rd Psalm is the most widely memorized and recited psalm. It is used in worship, music, funerals, art, and so much more. This psalm resonates with people for so many reasons, but at its heart is the leading of the shepherd, our Lord. The 23rd Psalm highlights that the LORD leads us with a rod and staff. One is to care for the sheep, while the other is to protect. The destination for the sheep? The LORD leads to green pastures that are beside still waters, and ultimately safely to the house of the LORD.
Whether a toddler, a sheep, or an adult wrestling with all that life offers, we have the blessing of a God who leads us. John records that when Jesus was teaching the crowds in Jerusalem, He reminded them that in Him was the leading “goodness and mercy” of God. (Psalm 23:6) Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” This “I Am” statement clearly ties Jesus to the people’s historical understanding that “The LORD” is the shepherd of the people. (Psalm 23:1)
When we are lost, He will come for us. (Luke 15:1-7) When we lack purpose and direction, His words will lead us. (John 10:3-4) And when we are tired and our strength has failed, the Good Shepherd will restore our souls as he leads us down the path of peace, mercy, and joy. (Psalm 23:6)
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
