GOOD SHEPHERD OVER HIS NEEDY FLOCK

Psalm 23 reciters!!!

I know pretty well you can recite the 23rd chapter of Psalm without stuttering, even in your sleep. We recite it like an anthem during or after prayers.

Nevertheless, your tendency to recite it accurately might obstruct you from reading meaning into it carefully to actually get blessed by it.

With that chapter in view, we'll be looking at the GOOD SHEPHERD AND HIS NEEDY FLOCK explained in bits.

I've never heard nor seen a sheep thriving without its shepherd or loitering around the streets all by itself, unlike the goats.

They are one creatures that need an eye to watch over it, a hand to tend it, a staff to guide it and a rod to protect it.

Let's look at THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

HE KNOWS YOU

"I am the good shepherd; and I KNOW MY SHEEP, and am known by My own." [John 10:14]

The good shepherd (Jesus Christ) knows you just as a good shepherd knows all of his flock and how many they are. He has the ability to identify every one of them individually.

HE KNOWS YOUR NAME 

"To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and HE CALLS HIS OWN SHEEP BY NAME and leads them out." [John 10:3]

According to this scripture, Jesus the good Shepherd doesn't just possess the ability to individually identify His flock but knows each of them by name.

Christ knowing you, calling and addressing you by your name shows you are one of His, else you'll be bearing "a sheep of Christ" as a name not living it as a reality. Get right with Him today to be part of His flock if you haven't.

HE MEETS YOUR NEEDS (PSALM 23:1)

As your shepherd, He ensures all your needs are met, even your wants. 

See this:

10] "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing." 

[Psalm 34:10]

He says, "any good thing!"

So, whenever you're cumbered with challenging needs, remind your Shepherd His Word.

It's your right as part of His flock to be well taken care of. He has that responsibility towards you. Therefore, hold Him by that.

THE GREEN PASTURES (PSALM 23:2)

This place He makes you lay (the green pastures) is simply a place of tranquility and rest. You ought to enjoy rest and peace round about you because Jesus the good Shepherd is obliged to ensure you have it.

30] "Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all round." [2 chronicles 20:30]

Your family, life, career, business and "your realm" in other words, surrounding ought to be in peace; quiet without trouble or turmoil. That's what the Shepherd gives.

HE LEADS YOU BESIDE STILL WATERS.

A sheep is likely to drown in harsh flowing river when trying to drink from it. It's wool makes it a whole lot worst as the wool absorbs the water making the drowning much easier.

However, the still waters (where it could drink from without fear) makes the drinking process much easier for the sheep.

He will never take you to a place that will drown or overcome you. 

HE RESTORES YOUR SOUL (PSALM 23:3)

Your soul has to do with your mind, will and emotions. Hence, He encourages you, reassures and reaffirms His word to you. He instructs you and ensures your spirit is edified thereby keeping you against fear, dismay, or discouragement that attacks your mind.

THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

Notice that He always "leads" not "drives". He doesn't force. This is where TRUST comes to play in this "Shepherd-flock" relationship. 

It takes trust to follow someone when you don't know anything about the path he's taking you through. 

Yes! You will not always know where you're going but it's very much okay so long it's the Shepherd (Jesus) leading. He knows best. So, trust Him to lead you because it's always the RIGHT PATH.

Furthermore, there cannot be pitfalls for a sheep who strictly follows the leading of the Shepherd. He ensures you're always on track.

And the last I'll talk on is;

HIS EQUIPMENTS (ROD AND STAFF)

The rod is the authority of a shepherd which is used to protect and defend the flock against attacks from wild animals. He (Jesus) will always fight for His sheep (you) against the enemy. [Exodus 14:14]

The staff on the other hand, is used to guide and direct. The staff is a long stick with a hook on its end used as an aid to pull the sheep out of the pit if it falls into one.

These are the equipments as recorded in verse 4 of psalms 23.

Did I forget to mention about His presence with you 24/7? 

Why would I do that?

HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU

This particular Shepherd unlike human shepherds does not sleep nor grows weary at all! That's like the icing on the cake. Isn't it exciting?

3] "He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

4] Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

[Psalm 121:3-4] 

This scripture should be enough to convince you on that.

Let me just say a little about the rest of the chapter. 

Psalm 23:5 says, "He prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies".

Let the wolves and hyenas (your enemies) harm you when your Shepherd is there, if they won't get the injury of their life. You'll be feasting and enjoying His prepared blessings as they keep watching you but can't do anything. 

This part is sweet! (Smiles)

As far as you're His flock, the hedge over your life will always be there. (I advice you read this article; Keeping the hedge).

And for His oil...

You have it upon you. You're anointed.

His goodness and mercy will always follow you day in, day out.

So, beloved! This is enough to make you walk with your head held high.

But please, be and remain the humble and obedient sheep. Rely so much on Him that you go about your life with zero worries. And also, listen whenever He speaks to you.

Why?

Because you'll always be the NEEDY SHEEP. You'll always need Jesus!

God bless you.

READ RELATED ARTICLE: KEEPING THE HEGDE