Posts Tagged ‘good shepherd’
Dear friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of His sheep! I am sure glad that I am one of His sheep! I want for nothing today because of His bountiful provisions in the green pastures and beside the still waters. I am comforted by his rod and staff protecting and guiding me. He is leading me and I fear no evil because of His watchful care. I can rest and enjoy safe pasture! This is what the day of rest is all about and we can enjoy it today and each day of the coming week in Jesus!
As I think back on this week’s reading in Ezekiel, I think about a passage that I wanted to write about but didn’t. Ezekiel 34 was a message to the shepherds of Israel who have been mistreating the flocks. In this passage, God stated that He would remove these shepherds. Then, in a series of “I Will” promises, He stated how He would shepherd the flock that belonged to Him! God would search for His lost sheep! He would rescue them and bring them out of the nations. He would pasture them on the choice mountain fields of Israel. He, Himself, would tend to their wounds and bind them up. He was going to place over them ‘one shepherd’, from the house of David, who would truly care for them and He would live among them forever!
Wow! What a vision and word from the Lord! All His promises are “Yes!” and “Amen!”. He has already fulfilled this promise to those who have received Jesus Christ as their Good Shepherd. He’s now about His business of rounding up the lost sheep and bringing them into the fold. He is binding up their wounds and leading them to the green pastures and still waters! Take time on this day of rest to thank your Good Shepherd for His wonderful care. Sit under one of His undershepherds and spend time with His people in worship and adoration, preparing for the glorious fulfilment of these wonderful promises! Jesus is coming soon! In Eager Anticipation, Pastor John
Scripture reading for June 8th: Psalms 19-24
God wrote two books: nature and the Bible! Psalm 19 tells of God speaking to all mankind through the glory of His creation! (Psalm 19:1-4) Creation cries out concerning the goodness of God to all people of every language and culture. All mankind draws it’s existence from what God has provided through creation. It is evident to those who will listen and learn that creation did not just ‘happen’. It was created with order and precision that could only come from high intelligence and great wisdom and power. The sun in it’s daily circuit performing it’s duty of warming the earth and providing heat and light with dependable accuracy is but one example of God’s glory!
In addition to nature, God also gave man His law or word. (Psalm 19:7-11) The law of the Lord is perfect and right revealing God’s holiness and glory. Those who will be instructed by it and warned by it will find revival of true life. Light will enter their souls and wisdom for right living will bring joy to each heart. It is truly more precious than pure gold and sweeter to the soul than honey. It is able to discern hidden errors and keep man from willful sins that would cause him to be lost forever from the Lord. The psalmist prays for acceptance of his words and meditations of his heart to the Lord who is his Rock and Redeemer! God truly has spoken our language and understands what man needs and His love has provided it to those who will partake!
Psalm 20 and 21 remind those who trust in the Lord that He will defend and protect them and that they will ultimately triumph over their enemies. Life here on earth is warfare. It often appears that the wicked and our enemies have power and equipment stronger than ours. They trust in ‘chariots and horses’! We, however, trust in the name of the Lord our God! When we do, we will enjoy victory! (Psalm 20:7-8) God is our strength and the source of all victory and blessing! We can only praise Him who will defeat our enemies! (Psalm 21:8-13) We are confident and will stand firm in His unfailing love!
Psalm 23 tells of a great Shepherd, the Lord, who will lead and protect his people. This Shepherd will provide safety and green pastures to His people. They will not need to fear, even when the ‘valley of death’ is ahead of them. God our Shepherd is with us and leads us forward to a table of eternal blessing! Oh, what language of encouragement to God’s own!
Psalm 24 tells of God’s ownership and rulership over all the earth and universe. He is the King of Glory! This King wants all who come to Him to have clean hands and a pure heart! (Psalm 24:3-5) When we go humbly to the Lord and ask for forgiveness, He shows us mercy. He has provided the sacrifice for our sins in His Son, Jesus Christ! The doors of heaven open for the King of Glory! Will you open your heart’s door for this amazing King to come in? (Revelation 3:20)