GOD OUR SHEPHERD, AND GREAT PROVIDER!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22, 2022.

SUBJECT : GOD OUR SHEPHERD, AND GREAT PROVIDER!

Memory verse: "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8 vs 32.)

READ: Psalm 23 vs 1 - 5:

23:1: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

23:2: He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

23:3: He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

23:5: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

23:6: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

INTIMATION:

God is our provider or supplier of our every need. The apostle Peter says this, "According as His divine power has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called to glory and virtue" (Second Peter 1 vs 3). If He could give His life, what else can He not give us to lead a godly life. Because we don't have the resources to be truly godly, God allows us to "be partakers of His divine nature" in order to keep us from sin and help us live for Him. We receive this empowerment by the Holy Spirit at conversion. 

God knows the things we have need of before you ask Him (Matthew 6 vs 8), and we can trust Him to always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth He will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Apostle Paul did. 

A shepherd takes care of the sheep. Figuratively, Jesus is referred to as the "Shepherd," of God's people - the "sheep." In John 10 vs 11, Jesus called Himself the "Good Shepherd." Who gives His life for the sheep. The sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. Jesus gives life. The life He gives right now is abundantly rich and full, and lived on a higher plane because of His overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance. The life He gives is eternal, yet it begins immediately you embrace Him. In contrast, the thief—the devil—who steals, kills, and destroys. 

In Hebrews 13 vs 20, Jesus is called the "Great Shepherd." "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His Will, working in you what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13 vs 20 - 21.)

The verses detail the great significant results of His death and resurrection. These are; (1) His works in us to make us the kind of people that would please Him, and (2) He equips us to do the kind of work that would please Him. 

Jesus is also, referred to as the "Chief Shepherd" (First Peter 5 vs 4), who, on His return, will judge all people and give rewards of "crown of glory" that is eternal and unchanging to His faithful followers.

The Lord Jesus is the good shepherd, and we are His sheep, His obedient followers, and are wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in the right ways. When we allow God, our shepherd, to guide us, we have contentment. He knows the "green pastures" and "still waters" that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following Him obediently. When we choose to sin and go our own way, however, we cannot blame God for the environment we create for ourselves. Rebelling against the shepherd's leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests. 

Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies—pains, suffering, disease, injury and so on, but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side—the God of life, our Shepherd. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this shepherd who offers us eternal comfort.

God offers us the protection of a host even when enemies surround us. The psalmist gave the coloration of the culture of the ancient Near East; At a feast, it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil. Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs. Therefore, when He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, He protects us, and anoints our head with oil. 

In the final scene of this psalm in the passage we read today, we see that believers will dwell with the Lord. God, the perfect shepherd and host, promises to guide and protect us throughout our lives and bring us into His house forever.

We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. But our deepest needs are spiritual. Many Christians, even though they face unbearable poverty and hardship, still have enough spiritual nourishment to live for God. To have God is to have all you really need. God is enough. 

If you feel you don't have everything you need, ask (1) Is this really a need? (2) Is this really good for me? (3) Is this the best time to have what I desire? Even if you answer yes to all three questions, God may allow you to go without it, to help you grow more dependent on Him. He may want you to learn that you need Him more than you need to achieve your immediate desires. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting anything to accepting His provision and power to live for Him.

Prayer: Abba Father, You are my Shepherd and Provider. Lead me in the path of righteousness that I may always dwell in Your presence. Give me the grace to serve You acceptably with  the talents, abilities, and resources You have given me, this is my utmost heart desire, in Jesus' Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!