Guided By the Good Shepherd

Well, I'm home again, and as such, this might be the last devotional for a little while (the connection is just way too slow!). I hope that all of you are able to get some rest this week-- you deserve the break after all of the work and other stressors that have been thrown at you all semester.

Anyway, I don't think you can ever read psalm 23 too many times so I thought it would be a good subject for today's devotional. Enjoy!

-AMR ;-)

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Guided by the Good Shepherd
by Reverend T.D. Robinson

~~~~~>Read Psalm 23

Charles Spurgeon described Psalm 23 as "the pearl of psalms." It helps us understand God's love for his people and reassures us that God will provide, direct and protect our lives. The calming tone of God's care is clear in its words. The images of the restful waters, the green pastures, and a secure path all come to life in the passage. Note several important insights taught by this psalm.

First, this psalm shows that the Lord provides for us. Because he is our shepherd, we can be assured he will meet our needs. As he sustained and provided for the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years, he will do the same for us today.

Second, this psalm indicates that the Lord directs us. Essential to a successful Christian life is God's guidance. After all, he has our best interests at heart: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go" (Isaiah 48:17). While some shepherds may stand behind the flock and drive the sheep in a particular direction against their will, God stands before us and lovingly leads us in his paths.

Third, this psalm teaches that the Lord as shepherd protects his sheep. When danger approaches, he is present. He will never leave us because of trouble but will see us through it. He uses his rod to fight off any intruders who would harm the flock. And he uses his staff to retrieve sheep that wander away. When danger is upon us, we must remember to look to the Lord for protection.

Finally, to those of us who have allowed the Lord to be our shepherd, God dispatches two ambassadors--goodness and mery--to follow us until we make it home. Goodness assures each step we take and mercy redeems each stumble.

When confronted by the shadow of death, we do not have to be afraid because we know that the Lord our shepherd leads us and goodness and mercy follow us.

Additional Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 42:16
John 10:1-21; 14:1-3