The Good Shepherd

In the evenings, my husband and I have been reading chapters from the book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Phillip Keller was once a shepherd, and in this book, he explains the daily care of sheep. They need help with good pasture, water and protection from their foolish behavior. The land must well cared for so that it does not become over-grazed. A good shepherd is fully dedicated to the work.

As Keller describes the behavior of sheep, he draws parallels to human needs and behavior. I have thought about my pride and frustrations–my attempts to solve problems without praying first. We need to recognize our self-centeredness. We need a shepherd! 

Keller’s book was first published in 1970 and republished in 2007. It provides wisdom and stimulates discussion of Christian living.

There are references throughout the Bible about the shepherd in addition to Psalm 23. Jesus said:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,
And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:11, 14, 16

We are blessed to have the opportunity to seek the Lord, to have Jesus as our shepherd in the twists and turns of life.

As I thought about this, a song came to mind. Our team sang this during a mission trip to Taiwan.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: DEDICATED Also linking with Sweet Tea and Friends.

The photo attribution: Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons