All I have to do is think over my life, and it becomes very obvious to me that my life has truly been in the care of a good shepherd; one who truly cared for me, and has seen me through all sorts of circumstances that could have easily crumbled me to pieces and left me useless; yet, I am still here yet trusting in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:11

There are way too many ways that he has rescued me, protected me, and ultimately saved me from myself and my own destructive ways, and for that I am most grateful. I was just thinking about this the other day, as I was in prayer, just how good he has been only because I was one of his sheep.

The shepherd only watches out for his sheep, and not those of another. What is the role of the shepherd? The technical definition is a person who herds, tends, and guards sheep.

Herding is the act of keeping the flock of sheep together and maintaining the flock as they move from place to place. Tending the sheep is providing the care of, such as feeding the sheep, or attending to their wounds. Guarding the sheep is protecting them from harm. Isaiah 40:11 and the 23rd Psalm is a perfect description of all of these actions.

He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 40:11

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 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

I count myself blessed that I am one of his sheep! Jesus has promised that regardless of circumstance, and the various wiles of the enemy’s ploy to steal, kill and destroy, that no one can pluck me out of his hand, not even me! I cannot wriggle myself out of his hand. I am his, one of his sheep, for whom he has laid down his life. What an encouragement!

That is why I want to please him, to only follow his voice, because only the Good Shepherd will keep me in the Way, as he leads me all the way home.