The Shepherd!

The Shepherd!

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 23:3 KJV

The Context and Focus:

God's wisdom is always beyond searching out. There are experiences and encounters He will bring us through, not just because He wants to, but to prepare us for greater assignments that will come in the future. Here was David, at a time a young man, who was entrusted with his father's sheep. Some of his older brothers were in the army of the King Saul, but no place was found for David in the army. However, with God, distance from the throne is never a barrier to God bringing a man to the throne. Joseph slept one night as a prisoner, yet the next night, he slept in a palace as the second in command to Pharaoh. With God, every experience counts. Right in the desert, where men, including his brothers would have thought David was forgotten, God was forming and equipping David with all he would need for the kingship of Israel. A bear or a lion would meet David in the desert with the sheep, and God would give David power and grace to defeat both. I cannot run away from God's dealings; if I can only stay true, my life will become a testimony to the power and grace of God. Can this be said of me today?

The Message:

This is the background to today's verse. The shepherd's love for the sheep will not permit him to watch the sheep get into danger or be killed. He knows that the sheep need his help, but he also knows that the sheep do not always want to listen. There are times when the sheep will stray and get lost, and there are times the sheep will get bruised. Whatever happens to the sheep, the shepherd is there to tend to the needs of the sheep and to nurse them back to full health. You do not restore what has not been tampered with or moved. Only in God can I find the touch that can return to the place God has prepared for me. Earnings, education, elocution, exposure or enlightenment do not matter as much as what God can do with a life that is completely and totally surrendered to Him. If as his sheep, I listen for his voice and obey Him, there is no end to the amazing things God can do in and through me. The opposite is also equally true: if I do not surrender to Him, how can I lay claim to the promises that are for those who are His sheep? Can I lay claim to the benefits and blessings of a country whose citizenship I do not hold? 

The Conclusion:

Because of His Name that I bear, God is very interested in my case. Because of people's views, God wants to make me a channel of salvation to those around me. He will guide me aright, because He wants men to be drawn to the light of God shining in and out of me. I also note that the dealings is first personal, before it becomes public impact. I cannot have it any other way. Men would prefer to impress the public, not caring so much what God thinks. Some would want to play both sides, seeking to please both the world and the Word; unfortunately, it is quite impossible to do so. I cannot be part of the sheepfold of God, and still be desiring the pleasures of this world. God is jealous for his Name to be revered in the earth, and he will do all He can to promote and protect it. He will lead and guide me where His name will be revered. If He brings me to it, He will lead me through it, so that His Name can be glorified. As his sheep, nothing happens to me without his permission. I am in the safest place possible: in His arms, and under his watchful care. What of you? God's time of favour is here.