WHAT A SHEPHERD WE HAVE.
Long before Jesus came into our world and declared in John 10:11 NKJV I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. The concept of God as our Shepherd is clearly portrayed in King David’s famous Psalm 23 NLT
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.
This Psalm sure opens up so much more to us regarding the ministry of God being our Shepherd.
In verse 1 our God as Jehovah Jireh The Lord the provider, WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED.
In verse 2 He is our Jehovah Shalom The Lord my peace . Leading us to green pastures and still waters.
In verse 3 Our God is Jehovah Rophe The Lord my healer. He restores my soul.
In verse 3 He is also Jehovah Tsidkeneau the Lord our righteousness, Leading us in the paths of rightwousness.
In verse 4 God is Jehovah Shama The Lord is present “For thou art with me.
In verse 5 He is Jehovah Nissi the Lord my standard of victory. A table of feasting and victory in the presence of our enemies.
In verse 5 God is also Jehovah Inkaddesh The Lord my holiness my Sanctification He4 anoints my head with oil.
He is alos in verse 5 Jehovah Manah The Lord my portion “My cup runs over.
In verse 6 God is Jehovah Cheleq the Lord my inheritance, goodness and mercy will follow me and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.
May I encourage you not only to meditate on all the compound names of God, but all they mean to us personally, that as one of God’s sheep, we can experience every facet of His sheperdly ministry to us. Amen.
