The Shepherd Who Never Leaves You

Because Jesus laid down his life for his sheep, we can trust his care in life, in death, and forever.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

David knew the nature of sheep because he had been a shepherd himself. Sheep are weak, vulnerable, defenseless, and prone to wander. To call the Lord our Shepherd, we must humbly recognize our need for his salvation, protection, provision, and guidance. We cannot take care of ourselves apart from him.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep (John 10:9-18). Through his death and resurrection, he provides forgiveness and makes us right with God. Only those who have Christ as their Savior have God as their Shepherd. Believers can claim the promises of Psalm 23 because they belong to him. He is the Shepherd of his people (Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4).

Be Satisfied in His Provision

“I shall not want” does not mean that God gives believers everything we want. It means that he does not leave us without anything he sees we need. Our Shepherd cares for both our physical needs (Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19) and our spiritual needs (Ephesians 1:3). We must determine to be satisfied in his provision, lest our unfulfilled wants lead us to think he has left us in want.

The picture of sheep lying down in green pastures is one of nourishment, satisfaction, and peaceful rest. The picture of sheep being led to still waters is one of being refreshed, nourished, and cleansed where needed. They have what they need because their shepherd has provided for them. The green pastures remind us of how the Lord feeds our souls through his Word, the calm waters of how the Holy Spirit ministers to us. The Lord takes care of his people's needs, fills them, satisfies them, and refreshes them such that they can rest in the security of his care.

Let Him Restore and Lead You

Our Shepherd restores our souls when we are downcast. Through his Word and Spirit, he revives us and brings us back to spiritual health. His restoration also includes bringing wandering sheep to repentance. When we wander into sin, we need him to bring us back.

He leads us in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Those paths are a blessing of his care, leading us into a righteous and obedient life. As his character (his name) becomes visible in our lives, his name is glorified. He is seen as a Shepherd that takes care of his sheep such that they are led in righteous paths by his grace alone. This magnifies his holy name.  Are we receiving his guidance to righteousness as a blessing and walking in the paths of righteousness? Do our personal walks blaspheme him or glorify him?

Trust His Presence in the Valley

The valley of the shadow of death can include any dark, uncertain, fearful, or dangerous time. The Shepherd’s presence brings comfort even when danger remains. His rod pictures his protection, and his staff pictures his guidance. Both may refer to His discipline as well. We need not fear any situation in life, because the God who protects and guides us is with us. Even when he disciplines us (Hebrews 12:5-13), we are comforted that we are his child and he is with us, disciplining us that we may walk in paths of righteousness.

Even in death, God does not abandon his sheep. He guides us through death to bring us into his forever presence. With his "rod," Jesus has defeated our greatest enemy, death, through his death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). With his "staff," he guides us to walk through death to life eternal. Death cannot separate believers from his love or take away their eternal life.

Rest in His Goodness and Mercy

The Lord prepares a table for his people even in the presence of their enemies. We enjoy fellowship with him and the abundant spiritual blessings that are ours in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Jesus drank the cup of God’s wrath on the cross so that our cup could overflow with his gracious blessings. What a Shepherd!

On the hard days and the easy days, we are led by our Shepherd and followed by his goodness and steadfast love (see also Lamentations 3:22-23). His care surrounds us throughout our lives. When our days here are over, he will bring us into his house to fellowship with him forever in sweet communion with all our needs met and his gracious blessings overflowing to us. In life, in death, and in eternity, God is with his people.

Questions for Reflection

• Have you trusted in Jesus so that you can say, “The Lord is my shepherd”?
• Are unfulfilled wants keeping you from being satisfied in the Lord’s provision?
• Where do you need your Shepherd’s restoration or guidance?
• How does his presence bring comfort in a difficult season?
• Who could you invite to trust in the Shepherd and share in these promises?

Carry This Beyond Sunday

Let Psalm 23 bring you comfort and move you to share the gospel. These promises belong to all who trust in the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. As you speak with others this week, ask them, “Don’t you want the Lord as your shepherd?” Jesus laid down his life to bring sinners into his fold. Invite them to trust in him and enjoy the comfort and provision this psalm promises.