Though Jerusalem in ancient Judah was facing times of serious turmoil, the prophet Isaiah wrote good news about a Messiah who would come to them one day, watching over them with the care of a loving Good Shepherd, God Himself.
9 … O Jerusalem,
You who bring good tidings,
Lift up your voice with strength,
Lift it up, be not afraid;
Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”
11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40:9b,11 (NKJV)
The characteristics of a truly Good Shepherd were well known to the people through the 23rd Psalm – the Lord is my Shepherd. He is a God who provides what we need, when we need it. A God who cares so much about us that He leads us to green pastures of peace and refreshment whenever we are wearied by the challenges of the world. One who teaches us the good way and walks with us through all of the fears, grief, and the terrors that life can bring. We need not fear the evil one, for the Lord will defend and comfort us as no other false god or idol ever could. The Lord gives us all this, and promises even more:
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. Psalm 23:5-6 (NKJV)
Jesus came to all of us to fulfill Isaiah’s Good Shepherd Messianic prophecy. He would later tell His disciples:
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:11 (NKJV)
Jesus would lay down His life for us so that we may spend eternity in the presence of a holy and loving God, dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
There are many shepherds who come over us at one time or another. Many are kind and thoughtful, others neglectful or mean-spirited. But only One would lay down His life for us so that we may live. He is the true Good Shepherd of our souls.
When I look back over my life, I see so many key decisions I made that led to an abundance of blessings for my soul. For many of them, I was not even walking with God at the time, but He was still shepherding me. Most of these decisions did not lead to any great recognizable achievement or accomplishment, but they did provide the daily sustenance, partnership, love, fellowship, and encouragement that I needed. And over time, the distracting noise of life slowly quieted enough to hear the still, small voice of the Lord, the Good Shepherd. He is there for all of us, every waking or sleeping moment.
Starting from the seed of small beginnings, we follow the Good Shepherd, step by step. The first steps are small ones and can be a bit unsettling. They become easier over time as we start to recognize our daily spiritual growth and the assurance of His presence. We begin to see that this God will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter what trials or challenges we are facing. He will see us through to greener pastures, all the days of our life, and bless us in all things. This has been true since Abraham’s calling:
Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. Genesis 24:1 (NKJV)
Our Good Shepherd will do the same for us.
Reflection
What decisions have you made in your life that resulted in a great blessing from the Lord? Can you see His hand in it? Did you know Him at the time?
Is something happening in your life today that makes you feel like you are walking in a dark valley? The Good Shepherd has promised to lead you through the valley, step by step, into His light on the other side.
Oh, Good Shepherd, we thank You for being there with us, even in our darkest hour. We trust You to take our hand and lead us through our own dark valleys into Your great light. Grant us the joy of Your deliverance and love, and hold onto us now and through eternity, never letting us go. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Have a beautiful day in the Shepherd’s care today!
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 