The Good Shepherd

Jesus is described as our shepherd in many places in the bible.  This is not a common occupation in today’s world, yet the description of who The Good Shepherd is and what it means for us is extremely accurate for our relationship with Him.  He watches over us and ensures we have what we need…He guards us and keeps danger away…He knows everything about us…and most importantly He laid down His life to save us.  You can read more about Jesus the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John, chapter 10.  We live in peace with The Good Shepherd watching over us.  Amen.

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“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.  

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  

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.”

Psalms 23

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)

The Good Shepherd

The Shepherd, of all the roles on earth, we can read in several places in the bible that Jesus is the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11, John 10:11-18).  In today’s world a shepherd seems like a character in a story of a very different world, not an actual role in a society.  To understand more about why is Jesus the Good Shepherd we look more closely at Psalm 23.  Some of David’s words and descriptions of the Shepherd are as follows:  He leads me; He restores my soul; He guides me; I will fear no evil; they comfort me; my cup overflows.  A shepherd provides everything the sheep will ever need.  Leadership, a restoration hope, guidance, protection, comfort and blessings…love.  Most importantly for the sheep a shepherd will lay down his life for the sheep to keep them safe from evil.  Jesus Christ has done all things possible for you to have life, turn or return to Him as He is our Good Shepherd.  May God’s love and mercy be with you.

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“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

John 10:14-15

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 near the Minnesota and South Dakota border)