The Lord Is My Sherherd Part 2

Notice how David personalizes this Psalm. He does not tell us that the Lord is a shepherd, but that he is my shepherd. David recognizes the relationship of himself as a sheep and the Lord as his shepherd. As a shepherd himself, David clearly understands the relationship between the two.

Consider now the responsibilities of the shepherd. Scripture gives us much information about the shepherd because it was a common occupation in those days. The intelligent shepherd knows that sheep are creatures of habit. If left to themselves they will follow the same trails until they become ruts; graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes; and pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites. The shepherd must also care for his land so it remains good for grazing. That is why the shepherd moves the sheep so often while grazing.

The shepherd is also responsible for the safe-keeping of the sheep day and night. Jesus says in John 10:7 "I am the door of the sheep". That is a phrase of protection. At night sheep are herded into a safe place which can be guarded at a single opening. The shepherd lays in that opening to protect His sheep.

The shepherd is responsible for disciplining his sheep. At times sheep like to wander away from the flock. The shepherd may break the leg of a sheep that consistently does this to keep him from going astray.

The shepherd cares for his sheep when they are hurting or in danger. In Matt. 12:11 Jesus says "What man shall there be among you, who shall have one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not hake hold of it, and lift it out?" Matt. 18:12 talks about leaving the 99 sheep to find the one that has gone astray.

The shepherd and the sheep know each other. The shepherd has a peculiar call to which his sheep responds. John 10:27 tells us "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He also places an identifying mark on each of his sheep so that no one can steal them.

Spend some time today considering the ramifications of the Lord being your shepherd.