"Soul Shepherd"

Scripture:

Psalm 100:3

Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. (NLT)

Observation:

When I think of Jesus (the LORD of the universe) as our Shepherd, I think of how busy we must keep Him in comparison to a shepherd of a flock of sheep. Unlike real sheep that gather around their shepherd, relying on him for their every need by staying close to the one who protects and takes care of them with only a few straying from the fold; we, on the other hand, are a rebellious species by nature, always running away thinking we can survive on our own—thinking we are self-made. But our Lord God is the Perfect Shepherd—the only One who completely knows all that we need (John 10:27-30). He is the only Shepherd who never slumbers (Psalm 121:3) and the only One who never ceases in the search for those gone astray.

Application:

I am now beginning to understand how God has been working in my life since the day I was born; protecting me and choosing certain people who would help shape my character in ways that would one day draw me into His fold, healing my many wounds from enemies who are but wolves in shepherds clothing. It is an honor, my friends, that we have been chosen from all the world to be His people, the sheep of His pasture. It is a glorious blessing indeed to be guided by His wisdom, tended to by His mercy and grace, and fed by the abundance of His bounty. Glory be to the Living God, the Shepherd of our lives and the Shepherd of our souls! (1 Peter 2:25)

Prayer:

Thank You, O LORD, for drawing me into Your flock where You healed my wounds and feed me the Bread of Life. You are truly the Good Shepherd and I am forever grateful for Your protection and direction. For You have pulled me out of the muck I was stuck in, then washed me clean and gave me new life. There is no better Shepherd; no, not one!

Amen