Carpenter, teacher, high priest, shepherd, these are some of the profession-type titles that Jesus was given throughout the scriptures. Each of which have special significance and each of which teach us something special about God and the relationship He longs to have with us.
We will take some time to look through each one but let’s begin with one that may feel familiar to many of us due to Psalm 23.
This Psalm walks us through what life is like when we are part of God’s flock. His protection, His provision and the confidence that sheep have in the fact that they lack nothing when they have a good shepherd. How do you know you are part of God’s flock?
John 10:27 “ “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
The Lord is not just any old shepherd but the Bible tells us that He is a good shepherd.
The good shepherd ensures that his flock lacks nothing and he leads them to lush green pastures for nourishment and rest. He ensures they regularly have access to still waters to refresh both body and soul.
Isaiah 40:11 explains that “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
So when danger strikes or fear takes them, they may panic at first but when they hear the voice of their Shepherd, they immediately trust because their faith in him has been established through their relationship and daily dependence.
“The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown”!(Zachariah 9:16)
Sometimes the sheep will stray a bit from the flock often lured away by curiosity yet when they see their good shepherd they instantly know they’ve been found ; similarly to what the Apostle Peter explained in 1Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Sometimes, after having been rescued by their Shepherd, there is an injury on the sheep. Sometimes from having been stuck in a thicket, or from falling or even from a scuffle with another sheep or animal; there are injuries that need attention. Washing and cleaning the wound is important but a good shepherd knows how to go the extra mile by cleansing and soothing it with olive oil.
The oil on the head of the sheep would also ward off flies and bugs that generally bother the sheep and can cause them to get parasites. Therefore, the process of anointing the sheep with Olive oil also serves as a protective barrier and as medicine.
The oil in the Bible is often a symbol of God’s spirit and His anointing so let us take this illustration to see how we can allow the Holy Spirit to help us with the things that bother us, hurt us, and even with the conflicts with others in the flock. So when we need a cleansing and healing we can simply ask the father to pour out His spirit to anoint us. Is it not written that the anointing breaks the yoke!
(Isaiah 10:27).
Could this also mean that the more we cover ourselves, our minds primarily, we are warding off bothersome thoughts that try to infiltrate our heads?
That alone is worth asking God to anoint my head with fresh anointing of His spirit each morning !
In the end, we have to consider that there are many types of shepherds out there many are decent but there is only one who is called good and that is Jesus!
Is it His great leadership qualities to lead a flock or an exceptional sense of direction to guide and train or perhaps would it be due to his immense wealth in providing all of our needs?
None of these make Him a good Shepherd but the Lord, who is God, stands out as the good shepherd because of His great love for us.
God loves each one of us. Know His voice and stay close to his words and you won’t be lost. Yet, if you stray, take comfort in knowing you will be found.
House of Prayer for All Nations church is a place where the spirit of God is poured out like anointing oil upon His people. You are welcome to come and worship the good Shepherd each Sunday at 4119 DeMaisonneuve West (Atwater metro) starting 12PM noon.
Blessings,
Tynesha
