Dear Friends,
My dear Grandmother John quoted to me the 23rd Psalm just hours before she entered heaven. It has always been a favorite for me. Many of us would concur it is an inspirational song that feeds our souls!
NIV Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
I will never forget the words of a wise preacher who told us: “The most important word in Psalm 23 is the fourth word.” Yes, when we put our trust in the Lord as our Personal Savior and Shepherd – everything for this life and the next changes! As a sheep in His forever flock, we are confident that He remains with us forever. Since He is our Shepherd, He supplies all we will ever need. We will lack nothing!
Jesus is identified in the New Testament as our GOOD Shepherd, GREAT Shepherd and CHIEF Shepherd. Each title identifies a specific ministry He has in our lives!
NIV John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
As the Good Shepherd, He died for us! He voluntarily laid down His life to pay for our sins. His death is called “substitutionary atonement” by theologians. He died in our place as our substitute (Isaiah 53:6). He died so we may live forever in Him. His death is the sufficient payment for our sin debt for everyone who trusts in Him. In this way God showed his love and is satisfied with Jesus’ payment. We are certain of this truth for two primary reasons. Because from the cross He declared, ”It is finished!” And because on the third day Jesus arose out of the grave! Later, He ascended into heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand. Today, Jesus’ enemies are being made his footstool. One He will return to the earth to reign forever! He is the author and perfector of our faith!
NIV Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As the GREAT Shepherd, Jesus equips us to serve God. He wants us to know His will and to accomplish it! His equipping ministry comes to us primarily through His Spirit and His Word. If God calls us to do something, He will always supply us with all we need to do it! All of activities are sacred and will please Him when we follow this pattern. So, if you are seeking His will, be assured He wants to guide you. If He leads you, He will supply all you need. Face each day with holy enthusiasm to do His will.
NIV 1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
The CHIEF Shepherd promises an eternal reward. This promise is made to elders but applies to everyone who follows Jesus. The crown is glorious! It will never be tarnished or destroyed! We will receive crowns when Jesus returns. Hopefully, this promise inspires us to serve the Lord here and now on earth. We are certain of reward in the there and then!
In 1974, Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a simple song to remind us of the security we have in our Good, Great and Chief Shepherd!
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us;
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd come and feed us,
For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day.
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need You to help us find our way.
Live today in the security and confidence that Jesus tends to your life like a Shepherd.
NIV Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Lovingly in Christ,
Pastor Rick