A good shepherd is one who tends, leads, guides, cherishes, feeds and protects his flock. They will lead the sheep out to pasture for food, provide them water, and put their own life in danger to defend them from predators. They will never run off or forsake the sheep when they are in need. And when one of his sheep becomes weak, a good shepherd will carry them in their arms and nurse them back to health. Additionally, if a sheep wonders away from the rest of the flock, out of his love for the sheep, the shepherd will leave the rest of the flock to go after the sheep that has strayed.
Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Sometimes, we just need to be reminded that Jesus is the GOOD Shepherd. He is not an angry, frustrated, sick-and-tired, want to kick-us-out of the pasture Shepherd. No, He is the GOOD Shepherd! He loves us. He cares for us. He provides for us. He tends to us. He cherishes us. He nourishes us. He protects us. He defends us. He intercedes for us. He is the GOOD Shepherd! And listen, He wasn’t just the GOOD Shepherd in the New Testament, although He was. And He’s not going to be the GOOD Shepherd in the sweet-by-and-by, although He is. He is the GOOD Shepherd now!
David lifted up a song to the Lord about the Father being a GOOD Shepherd and it wasn’t just a nice confession in hopes that it would be true someday or a wish upon a star. It was what he knew and experienced out of a relationship with his Father. My prayer for you and me today is that out of the abundance of our heart we would know - not in our head but in our heart - that Jesus is a GOOD Shepherd to us, and we can declare like David:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” (Ps. 23 NLT)