Post by foxjj on Apr 9, 2018 6:33:41 GMT
Yahweh, The Good Shepherded
David was a young shepherd working for his father Jesse before Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel. In the Old Testament, the king is often referred to as a shepherd to the people. Prophets and priests were also called shepherds because of their roles as spiritual leaders. The most important shepherd to Israel was Yahweh who constantly undertook for His people. When corrupt shepherds came on the seen, He would speak out against them as in Ezekiel 34:2, where we read: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?” These warnings show how serious the role of a spiritual shepherd is to be taken.
David recognized that Yahweh was The Shepherd of Israel when he wrote Psalm 23 expressing as only a shepherd can, the qualities of The Good Shepherd: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 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 goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
In this Psalm David expresses his reliance on the Good Shepherd for all of his needs. When you and I trust our Lord and Savior for our daily requirements, we will not be in want. For, as the Psalm states, our Shepherd will lead us into green pastures, which refers to our daily life and needs. We will also be guided to places of rest and peace as the still waters signify. Most importantly our Shepherd will guide you and I in righteousness all of our days. Even in days of sickness and danger, the Shepherd is with us as the reference to the valley illustrate. After living a righteous life, David declares that our eternal destiny is to dwell with our Shepherd in the house of the Lord forever.
Today, let us continue to praise our great Shepherd and Lord.
David was a young shepherd working for his father Jesse before Samuel anointed him to be king over Israel. In the Old Testament, the king is often referred to as a shepherd to the people. Prophets and priests were also called shepherds because of their roles as spiritual leaders. The most important shepherd to Israel was Yahweh who constantly undertook for His people. When corrupt shepherds came on the seen, He would speak out against them as in Ezekiel 34:2, where we read: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?” These warnings show how serious the role of a spiritual shepherd is to be taken.
David recognized that Yahweh was The Shepherd of Israel when he wrote Psalm 23 expressing as only a shepherd can, the qualities of The Good Shepherd: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 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 goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
In this Psalm David expresses his reliance on the Good Shepherd for all of his needs. When you and I trust our Lord and Savior for our daily requirements, we will not be in want. For, as the Psalm states, our Shepherd will lead us into green pastures, which refers to our daily life and needs. We will also be guided to places of rest and peace as the still waters signify. Most importantly our Shepherd will guide you and I in righteousness all of our days. Even in days of sickness and danger, the Shepherd is with us as the reference to the valley illustrate. After living a righteous life, David declares that our eternal destiny is to dwell with our Shepherd in the house of the Lord forever.
Today, let us continue to praise our great Shepherd and Lord.