Psalm 23.
While they were not generally accepted or trusted as citizens at the time, biblically we find that shepherds were an excellent example of care and concern for their flock. They protected their sheep from the wild beasts of their day and provide the best pastureland available. Prior to entering new pastures they would do what they called “set the table”, where they would go ahead of the flock and get rid of poisonous weeds and thorns as well as snakes, scorpion nests or any other “enemies” the sheep could encounter.
They would separate any “sickly” sheep at night and care for their wounds with oil and even offer a fermented drink to help with their ills. It was not uncommon for a shepherd to secure the 99 to find the one that wandered.
There are numerous references in the Bible teaching us that God is like a Shepherd to His people. Psalm 23 is certainly the most popular.
Read it again.
Christians are never promised an easy, trouble-free life. If you break it down to the most simple comparison, the only difference between believers and non-believers is that believers have the Shepherd by their side at all times while experiencing this same world as everybody else is experiencing. Christians simply have added security in knowing that our wounds will be cared for, we will be led only into what it best for us, punishment will only be for our benefit, and the overwhelming love of God will never leave us. His love for us is so strong that He sent His only Son to pay the price for our sins if we simply believe in Him.
Read John 10:11-15.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. There is no other that we could possibly need. The love of God is freely available in Jesus. May you find comfort in His loving, caring arms today.
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