In the book "The Book of Jesus", which is a treasury of the greatest stories and writings about Christ, and edited by Calvin Miller, there is a chapter written by Billy Graham called "The Good Shepherd". The following is that chapter.
" The wonderful picture of God as our Shepherd is found in many places in the Old Testament. One of the Psalms begins, "Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock" (Psalm 80:1). It's great to think that the everlasting God, the Almighty Creator, condescends to be the Shepherd of His people.
David makes the relationship a personal one in the best known of all Psalms, "The Lord is my shepherd," he cries exultantly, "I shall lack nothing" (Psalm 23:1). The rest of the Psalm tells us what we shall not lack. It speaks of the shepherd's provision as He leads us to the green pastures, His guidance along the paths of righteousness (that means the right paths), His presence with us in the dark valley. No wonder David testifies, "My cup overflows" (verse 5) - such are God's boundless blessings.
Isaiah adds a further touch to the picture when he says, "He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart" (Isaiah 40:11). The figure here indicates the tender care with which the Lord supports His people on their journey and the strong love with which He enfolds them.
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the same figure and applies it to Himself. He says "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it...I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me" (John 10:11-14).
Note four things about Jesus the Good Shepherd.
He owns the sheep: they belong to Him.
He guards the sheep: He never abandons them when danger is near.
He knows the sheep, knows them each by name and leads them out (see verse 3).
And He lays down His life for the sheep, such is the measure of His love.
How thankful we should be, weak, wandering, and foolish as we are, that we have such a shepherd. Let's learn to keep close to Him, to listen to His voice, and follow Him. "
By George Konig
11/25/2007
www.georgekonig.org
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