One of the most common comparative metaphors used in the Bible for God’s relarionship with us is shepherd. Perhaps it was simply so common because the illusion would be easy to follow since so many during Biblical times – both Old and New – were shepherds. The job of a shepherd was very well know. Or, God does nothing just for convenience and everything has a purpose and lesson.
Shepherds tend the sheep. Shepherds protect them from predators. Shepherds make sure they eat and drink. Shepherds save them from themselves (sheep are notoriously silly and dumb). Shepherds guide them through the mountains. Shepherds find them if they go lost. Shepherds live with them. Shepherds love them.
One of the most famous Bible passages is Psalm 23 in which David calls God His shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
This Psalm was written approximately 1000 years before Jesus was born.
Later during His ministry, Jesus declared Himself the “Good Shepherd (John 10:11)” harkening back to Old Testament metaphors of God particular the above Psalm and Ezekiel’s description of God as the Good Shepherd in Ezekiel 34.
Jesus proclaims Himself our shepherd as God proclaimed Himself the shepherd of the Israelites. Jesus declares He is will protect His sheep from wolves and even lay His life down for His sheep. He tells us that He knows who is a member of His flock because those sheep listen to His voice – they come when called and they obey. The intent of Jesus’ declaration that He is the Good Shepherd would not have been lost of His audience. God was the shepherd of the Israelites and now Jesus says He is not just their Good Shepherd but to those who have yet to become part of the flock (Gentiles aka the rest of the world).
So, everything that David eloquently says the God did for Him in Psalm 23 is also about Jesus. Because of Jesus:
🐑 We want for nothing.
🐑 We are given peace and satisfaction.
🐑 We are guided to the right paths.
🐑 We do not have to go through the darkness alone.
🐑 We are disciplined when we need it.
🐑 We are immensely blessed.
🐑 We will dwell with the Lord in Heaven.
Don’t let the wolves dressed as shepherds confused you. Listen carefully. There is only one true shepherd.
“I am the good shepherd (John 10:11).”
Adonai's Appeal 