The word shepherd is an intimate metaphor as the shepherd
lives in intimate relationship with his flock; serving, protecting, providing
and healing.
During a business lunch with a colleague I suddenly felt
my twelve-year-old son Christian to be in danger. I excused myself and went to
a quiet place to pray. When my son came home from school I saw large bloody abrasions
on his arms and legs. He said, “Mom, at
lunchtime I rode with my friend on his mini-bike. It overturned and I fell onto the street. I’m sorry I disobeyed you.” Beyond, “no motor
bikes,” I had few rules and regulations.
As we are willing to accept the Spirit’s “the Helper’s”
help and listen to His voice, many troubles, accidents and evils concerning us
and others, would be avoided. As we daily
practice listening and obeying, we will be prepared to hear and follow His
direction in times of danger and crisis.
Physical death, our ultimate enemy has been defeated by
our Shepherd.
Psalm 23:4 ---- David speaks directly to his
Shepherd. It is He who guides us through
dark valleys of distress and trouble, as well as through green pastures. His presence with us in valleys and shadows of death, helps us overcome our fear, as He is our personal escort. His rod and staff are implements of protection
and comfort.
But now the day was dawning. Viewing the eastern hills, Christian said to
himself, “He hath turned the shadows of death into the morning.” Looking back over the way he had come, he
wondered how the Lord had gotten him through.
He remembered the verse; “He discovers deep things out of darkness and brings
out to light the shadow of death.” He was deeply moved when he saw all the
dangers from which he had been delivered.
Pilgrim’s Progress:
John Bunyan
(References)
A
Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 - Phillip
Keller
Psalm
4:8, 27:1, 118:6, 142:6
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