(Part one, Relationship)
from a Facebook post we want to look at seventeen statements that are made in Psalm 23. The first being “The LORD is my shepherd”, which I see as key to the rest of the Psalm. Who better than David would know how to compare the sheep/shepherd relationship and make the comparison between God and His people? As an ancient shepherd he knew firsthand the relationship the shepherd and the sheep develop with each other, and with that picture in mind he sees God as the shepherd and himself as one of the sheep. As the shepherd was there for everything the sheep needed, so he understood God was with him to supply everything he needed. As being the shepherd signifies a close relationship with the sheep, so it has always been God’s desire from the very beginning to have a close relationship with His people! Relationship means to be connected which can be either by origin, marriage, or some other kinship. We were created with such a relationship to God, but because of sin that relationship was severed, however we learn that it has been God’s desire ever since to restore it, (see Genesis chapters 1-3). In Revelation 3:20 we see Him knocking at our hearts door, longing for us to open it, inviting Him in to fellowship with us as we feed on His word and He feeds on our praise, worship, and service of love (whether you are a part of the lukewarm church or don’t even know Christ, the truth applies to both). He calls His followers friends in John 15:15, it is in this friendship that we enjoy this intimate relationship. God says “…I have redeemed you…you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1. Regarding those that love Him, His followers, His sheep, Jesus said, “We will come to him, and make our home with him” John 14:23; an ever-abiding presence. No matter what your nationality of origin, all that come through Jesus are included in this relationship, see Galatians 3:16, 29 in which He is the shepherd, see John 10:11, 14.
Jesus our shepherd
BY rose Hill
Jesus our shepherd and our guide,
Wants us to stay right by His side.
So when we need Him He is there,
He understands our every care.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.