Shepherd

“Our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep” — Hebrews 13:20 ESV

The picture of Jesus being the Shepherd and us being the sheep is an analogy of great depth.  We will look at just three elements of this Shepherd-sheep relationship:

A shepherd cares for the sheep.  In John 10, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd, and talks about His relationship with the sheep.  He contrasts the attitude of a hired hand versus a Shepherd in terms of how they relate to the sheep. A hired hand sees danger coming and abandons the sheep, while a Shepherd is willing to lay down His life in defense of the sheep.  What’s the difference? The Shepherd cares.  Jesus caress. He laid down His life so that you could be saved and go free.

A shepherd cleanses the sheep.  Everyone knows Psalm 23.  “The LORD is my Shepherd… “ Psalm 23 has been called “The Shepherd’s Psalm.” One of the lines, “He anoints my head with oil” has major significance.  Sheep are prone to insects such as fleas, mites, and ticks burying themselves in the ear and fur of the sheep. A shepherd in that day would use oil mixed with certain fragrances that kept potential pests away. This kept the sheep clean and free from potential medical problems.  When we spend time with Jesus, our Shepherd, He anoints us with oil.  He keeps our mind in peace, He keeps our heart in check, and His Holy Spirit Presence keeps us free from things that would enter our hearts and lives and contaminate us.  

A shepherd carries the sheep.  In Luke 15, when the Shepherd leaves the 99 sheep to find the one, He picks it up and carries it to safety.  Look back on your life.  He has carried you, and He carries you today. We are “the sheep of His hand” (Psalm 95:7), and “no one is able to pluck us from His hand” (John 10:28).  

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This blog is an excerpt from Robert Presson’s devotional book, “Look to Jesus,” available for a donation of any amount at cityrevivalnola.com/give. Please indicate that you would like the book when you give.