God is Our Shepherd
Luke 12:32
Friday, December 15th
In his book,“ A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” W. Phillip Keller shares the experiences of shepherds and how it helps relate to why God calls himself our Shepherd( cf. Ezek. 34; Jn 10; 1 Pet. 5:4). In one chapter, he explains that sheep cannot eat or sleep unless they know their shepherd is near. In order to soothe these anxious animals, the shepherd needs to know the quirks of each unique sheep. Unless the sheep hear him, see him, and perhaps even feel his reassuring touch, they will neglect food and sleep – the basic necessities of life.
Sometimes, like sheep, we become paralyzed. When a loved one dies, family members have to be reminded to eat and drink and rest. When you lose your job, you stay up all night worrying how your family will make ends meet. And even if we’ re not completely paralyzed, we still experience fear that robs us of the joy that comes from knowing God’ s design for our life. Stress and anxiety lead us to focus on the size of our fear instead of the great strength of our Father. Worry affects not just our physical well-being, but our spiritual well-being too. Peace, purpose, and contentment are easily lost.
That is why God makes very clear that he understands each one of us, with our unique quirks and characteristics. He knows that we are like sheep. We are a little flock that seems small compared to the big problems of this world and the overpowering obstacles in life. Yet, notice his promise. He calls himself“ your Father.” He isn’ t distant from you; he is with you. You belong to him. And he has given his eternal kingdom to you. You belong. You don’ t have to wonder if he is someone else’ s Father … and that you are on the outside. He changed your status from sinner to saint, from stray sheep to member of his eternal flock. The Good Shepherd changes your status when he laid down his life for the sheep. Because of his great love for us, we who were outside his flock have now become his very own.
So have no fear, little flock – neither you nor the other believers around you. The kingdom is yours. The shepherd-like voice of our Father still speaks through his Word so that we know that he is always here, forever near.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, continue to shepherd us through this life so that, regardless of what might threaten us, we will fearlessly follow you.
Activity: Read through Psalm 23. Identify all the ways that the Lord, our Shepherd, leads us away from fear.
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