Sheep or Shepherd?

Psalms 23:1-2

A psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows;

he leads me beside peaceful streams.

The Bible refers to sheep over 500 times, far more than any other animal. To the people of the Old and New Testament times, sheep made sense. They understood them, they saw them.

They also knew sheep weren’t very smart. Sheep have to be led. Sheep must be taken care of. Without a shepherd they are lost and vulnerable to predators.

King David wrote Psalms 23 and starts it out by admitting he is a sheep. Personally, I might have started with lion or shark, they are much cooler, and far more independent.

David knew what he was doing. Notice that David isn’t the shepherd, he is the sheep. He is in need of comfort, guidance and protection. Without his shepherd he is lost and vulnerable. With his shepherd he is safe. Jesus said in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”

Are you a sheep or a shepherd in your life? Have you placed your life hope, your hope and your protection in the Good Shepherd? He sacrificed his life for you so that you can be led, cared for, and protected.

It is time for us, like King David, to admit we are sheep and quit trying to control our lives and put our trust in the one who gave his life for us. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Today’s Readings: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

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