Leckieville Freewill Baptist Church

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 My Shepherd

01/07/07 Adam Dotson

After John 3:16, the 23rd Psalm is probably one of the most quoted verses of the Bible. It is very comforting to a weary and worn soul. From the Scripture, we understand that there are specific roles born by the shepherd. They are: Leader, Feeder, and Protector of the sheep. Since sheep are practically helpless creatures, they must have someone to provide these services for them or else become prey.

A deeper lesson found in this Psalm implies that we must commit ourselves to being a sheep in order to have the Lord as "our" Shepherd. All that is required of us 1) Be a sheep. 2) Follow the Shepherd. Seems simple enough. But to be a sheep we must forsake the urge to be anything else but a sheep. Remember a sheep is helpless on its own. Too many times we consider ourselves lions, able to conquer the world. Or a mighty stallion, able to run with a heavy load on our back. If you want to be able to say "I shall not want" you have to 1) Be a sheep. 2) Follow the Shepherd.

The Psalm also teaches us to express our satisfaction and appreciation toward the Shepherd. David knew the refreshing capability of God. He knew first hand the comfort found walking in the shadow of the Shepherd. The worries and fear found in the shadow of the world did not concern him with the shepherd near. The lions, tigers, and bears were still there lurking, waiting to pounce. We have real concerns and dreads in life. Being a Christian does not make them go away, but if we follow David’s example we will rejoice more in our Shepherd rather than wallow in worry.

The one role of a shepherd not mentions so far is: Rescuer. The shepherd would put himself in harm’s way to retrieve a lost sheep or save a sheep in great danger. Without Christ in your heart you are like one of these. If you are not a Christian will you commit your heart to God today? Let the Lord be your Shepherd. Repent of your sins and invite Him into your life. Then all you have to do is 1) Be a sheep. 2) Follow the Shepherd.