Sheep and Shepherds

           Most people have a title in one way or another. They are known to the world by that title. We give ourselves titles and the world gives us some also. A person who always does things that are a little bit foolish may soon become known as the village idiot or a goof ball or some other term that describes their actions. When I went to work at a retirement facility, people often asked me how I would like to be addressed. Since it was a Catholic facility, many wanted to call me “Father” but I came up with “Just call me Pastor Dan.” That is how I was known for nine years to staff and residents alike. At times, I was introduced as “Father” and then politely reminded them that I was not a priest. To me, I was a pastor to the nearly 200 residents who came and went over the nine years that I was the Pastoral Counselor. I guess that's why I still sign my devotions as “pastor dan.” I handed out about 40 copies of the devotion to the residents everyday. My “flock” was a bunch of older sheep but they were and still are very important to me especially in regard to their eternal state. Psalm 23:5-6 says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." 

                Psalm 23 is a Psalm that describes a Shepherd, but not just any Shepherd, but they Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't see a lamb or a sheep mentioned in the Psalm, but just the guidance of the Shepherd as He cares for the sheep. The Psalm is not about the sheep so much as it is about the Shepherd. To put it in today's idea, "It is not about me, it is about Him." It is interesting to note that people generally don't choose a lamb as a character for themselves. A "go getter" in today's society prefers to be like a bull or a lion or a panther or some strong animal. No super hero was characterized by a sheep with a cape. Sheep need things in almost every area of their lives. They are good at growing wool and eating grass but are poor fighters, are not too aggressive and are good at wandering off in almost any direction but where they are supposed to go. Sound familiar? That's us. Without a Shepherd, we are in a miserable state and we in need every aspect of Psalm 23. We need guidance and protection. We need food and shelter. Even flies take advantage of the sheep and need to have their heads anointed with oil. Well, I am a lamb, one of the sheep in a vast flock and I desperately need the leading of the Shepherd in every area of my life. Of all the titles that you might have, realize that you are also a lamb in need of the Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. As a lamb of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What could be any better than that. Praise God for the Great Shepherd and that you are a part of the flock.