Psalm 23 reaffirmed!

Psalm 23 reaffirmed!

Psalm 23, written by David, is probably one of the most, if not the most, well-known Psalm of the 150 that were recorded. This Psalm has such a calming effect on people, and it has the ability to give anyone who is exposed to it a real sense of peace. No wonder it is an area of Holy Scripture which used at so many funerals.

In Ezekiel 34:11-24 there is a sound affirmation given for the Lord as the Shepherd of His people. This Old Testament prophet clearly displays in these verses the character of God shown in the loving and protecting actions of a shepherd caring for his flock.

"For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I, myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I, myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak. I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey.” Ezekiel 34:11-16a, 22a

In the New Testament Jesus refers to Himself as the “Good Shepherd”, why? He does it because He is the same Lord of all talked about in the Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34. Jesus came as the “Good Shepherd” to lay down His life for you and me, who are those among His flock. What a blessing it is for us to have such a loving and caring God, who is the caretaker of our bodies and souls!

Our Lutheran Service Book has a number of wonderful hymns proclaiming Jesus as the Shepherd of God’s people. These rich hymns clearly convey the message of peace, joy, and comfort we have in Christ as He leads us to green pastures, beside restful waters, through the valley of the shadow of death, and on to eternal glory spent with Him. Dear Jesus as You lead may I faithfully follow!!!!!!!!! Pastor McCarty