Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd

Read Psalm 23

This psalm has deep rooted memories for me. Do you remember the first time you heard this psalm? I have a distinct memory, can almost smell it. It was at my grandfather’s funeral. I was ten. I was a mess because I had just lost my best friend and the best listener in the whole world. Now when time I read this psalm, it often happens that I almost smell the odd musty funeral home. Despite the sad day, I remember being comforted by the psalm.

The version I grew up with had a little different second line. The version referred to in this blog and book series has been the NLT (New Living Translation) which says God provides what we need. Growing up, he provided what we wanted in a more traditional version like the ESV (English Standard Version). Between providing for what we need and want, our Shepherd King has it pretty much covered. The difference between a need and a want seems to be huge. Another version, the NIV (New International Version) which says we “lack nothing.” In sum, God provides. Continue reading “Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd”

Ezekiel 34:11-24 – The Good Shepherd

Read Ezekiel 34:11-24

As I was reading along in today’s text, I couldn’t help but notice how the 23rd psalm that we closed our last reflection with was ringing through the word pictures. The pastures of rest sound delightful! God being the one to search for us sounded like a prophecy of Jesus. There’s just a lot in this passage to unpack and reflect upon.

Of course, one can’t forget Jesus’ teaching that aligns with these words of sorting. In Matthew 28:31-32, Jesus is explaining what will happen when he returns. Jesus says, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” I couldn’t help but think of those words when reading Ezekiel’s message. Another connection to Scripture! Continue reading “Ezekiel 34:11-24 – The Good Shepherd”

Ezekiel 34:1-10 – Not Really Shepherds

Read Ezekiel 34:1-10

I don’t think I’ve ever met a shepherd, or one who herds sheep, in person. I’ve commonly seen goat herders and cow wranglers here in Mexico, but never a shepherd. They would have been a lot more common in Ezekiel’s day. The Bible uses the shepherd metaphor in other places as well. The 23rd Psalm begins, “The LORD is my shepherd, I have all that I need.”  

Shepherds were some of the first people to meet Jesus face to face. That tells me that God thinks highly of shepherds, perhaps because of their devotion to their flocks. God’s expectations for a shepherd’s behavior is clearly set out here. Feeding the sheep, tending to the weak, caring for the sick, and certainly searching after any sheep that get lost. Continue reading “Ezekiel 34:1-10 – Not Really Shepherds”

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