The Shepherd

Jehovah Rohi, a name describing God as our Shepherd. We are God's sheep, His flock.  When we get to know Him, we learn His voice.  The last part of John 10:3 says, "...and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him."

If you read the first half of John 10, Jesus explains what it means for Him to be our Shepherd.  He speaks about how a shepherd owns his flock.  A hired hand doesn't own the flock so their interest in protecting deminishes at the threat of wolves.

I learned a very valuable lesson regarding this while on my run yesterday.  I got an, extremely, uneasy feeling as I felt a presence behind me. I had my ear buds in and didn't hear anything but when I glanced behind, I saw a white panel van slowly trailing behind me.

I have to say, it was unsettling and caused a bit of worry at first.  There are very few houses on my path and most are empty during the day.  I started praying and pulled my phone out of my pocket.  I was going to be ready to call 911 if I got into a situation. 

As I was pulling my phone from my pocket, I got a text regarding a totally unrelated matter.  I then reported to this person that I felt uneasy about this van and asked them to call me if I hadn't texted back in about 5 minutes. I was thankful to God for the provision of distraction and comfort.

The van disappeared into a wooded, dirt path and I lost sight of it.  I picked up the pace and headed home.  As I rounded the corner, a very large white bull dog decided to stand in the middle of the path and challenge me.  Lol. This morning just kept getting better and better.

In that moment, of what felt like real, present danger (being that I have been bitten by SO many dogs) I started calling on the name of Jesus.  I know that anyone that heard me (which was probably no one since it's so country) probably that I was crazy.  But, crazy or not (I am crazy about Jesus) I picked up a stick and kept going.  The dog turned and ran the opposite direction taking his nasty attitude and giant head with him.

When I got home, I texted the friend and reported that all was okay.  It was then that God started breaking open the LIFE lesson book and spoke to me.  He reminded me that HE is the only Protector I need.  Worldly "hired hands", friends, spouses, family are put on earth to fulfill the role of companionship and sharing in God's great creation. We should not rely on them, but completely trust in Him.

Another point He made was found in the parable of the lost sheep Luke 15.  People, our "hired hands", will abandon us when we go astray.  They see our failures and mistakes as diseases that they want to protect themselves from, the "wolves".

In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus explains that he will leave 99 sheep to retrieve the 1 who has gone astray.  To take it further, verse 5 says "And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders." Jesus doesn't toss you out when you mess up.  He tries to get you back into righteousness.  He doesn't just lead you, HE CARRIES YOU ON HIS SHOULDER.  How amazing is that?  He rejoices with "more joy" over the one repentant soul than he does for the ones that are righteous and haven't strayed.

The Lord is my Shepherd...Psalm 23 explains in detail His promises of green pastures and goodness.  This was a hard lesson for me but one much needed and I am grateful for it.

I am so confident that My Shepherd will always protect me and care for me as his special possession.   He will not abandon me in times of trouble or failure-leaving me for destruction by "wolves" or panel vans or very big dogs.