run the race – rtr

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

What does this verse mean? What is it getting at? Why is the imagery of a shepherd invoked? In its most basic definition a shepherd is simply one who tends to a flock. This tending is almost certainly that of a flock of cattle or livestock, and the best of these shepherds are know for their ability to take care of their fold because they know them well. Think about this for a second, as a general rule a parent can gift a beloved child a gift that fits their child to a tee, something that the child could cherish because it meets their wants and desires. Taking this illustration further we also know that parents sometimes give to their children what is not always wanted or desired by the child. Say discipline, correction, and or guidance that takes the child off of a path that the parent can see much clearer in the now than the child, but more importantly in their foresight must act upon at the moment to ensure the best for that child. As I am sure, most of us have been there before, we have not always appreciated the shepherding of wise people who had guard and authority over our wellbeing and lives. This picture that we have here only touches in part what we are looking at when we think of THE good shepherd.

The one who calls himself the good shepherd is Jesus (John 10:11), though as eternally God he was the good shepherd that took care of his beloved, see (Ezekiel 34) & (Psalm 23). The character of God does not change. He was a good shepherd in the Psalms, he was also a good shepherd in Israel as Ezekiel recounted Gods words when he reprimanded self seeking and wayward shepherds. As we look at the words of Jesus, in the context of Matthew and his gospel account we see that he is still that good giving shepherd many years later. The text says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-10).

We can trust that the Lord knows his flock, and from a place of love and not necessity he gives to his people. We also know that those of his flock do hear his call, and they do follow him effectually! “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27). This is a very sure statement, but one that is exclusive yet inclusive to the point that the call is to everyone, yet not all will accept this call, the text says, “For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The whosoever in this sentence is the key, the ball is in the courts of man. The good gift of knowing Christ has been given, and as much as it is a call we can still choose to accept this good and perfect giver or reject him. Why not choose the one who knows you better than yourself, who delights in giving good gifts, who has a perfect path for you to walk, who delights in the fullness of your good, and has the truth giving message that takes you from death to life.

That most important gift of all is knowing him and being freed from the bondage of sin, unto freedom that gives life to our time here on this earth and even eternally when that ceases. What better gift than eternal enjoyment of Him in heaven, a home that lacks the worries and pains of this world. The good shepherd, knowing the internal craving of the hearts of man; to be known, to have purpose, and to be loved, gives this in the gift of receiving him.

If you have already repented from your sins, turning your trust to Jesus and what he did on the cross for the sins of those who would come to him nothing that I share here is new, but for those I hope that this is great encouragement. To those on the fence, please take heed and ponder this great gift, and what may be at stake if not received. God protects his flock, his people, be encouraged that if you are in Christ Jesus there is perfect fulfillment in your walk, for He is with you, leading you. Take comfort that his rod and staff keep your way straight before him. Just like a tree, simply abide by the water.

Jesus is God, and his work on the crucifying cross shows us all what kind of shepherd that He is. He took the cross so that his flock could have eternal life, reigning in peace, righteousness, and fullness of joy. But Jesus did not simply just die on that cross, he rose three days later and is still shepherding His flock. What a guy!

This good news looks as to how we are his sheep and why we have the ability to run the race before us. My prayer is that this message encouraged you, and showed you all just how good of a shepherd that Jesus is. Until next time, run the race.