The shepherd with his sheep was a familiar image in biblical times, and particularly familiar to David who uses this imagery in the most famous of the psalms, Psalm 23. David spent much of his younger life shepherding his father’s sheep. The metaphor is poignant due to the fact that sheep are largely helpless without the shepherds. In the arid terrain of Israel, sheep were unable to find water or fertile pasture unless their shepherds led them there. In addition to this, the shepherd provided shelter, medication and aid in birthing. In the Ancient Near East, it was common for kings to refer to themselves as ‘shepherds’. In the first instance, this was a statement of authority and leadership. The picture here in Psalm 23 is not that of God following us around and making sure we get everything we want as we go, wherever we want to go. No, according to this metaphor, we follow the shepherd. He is in charge; we belong to him. He is the leader; we are the followers. He initiates; we respond. So, before you ask things of God, reflect on what he is asking of you. Before deciding what you want to do in a situation, think about what God wants to do in that situation. Follow the lead of your shepherd. If you follow the shepherd, you will find him committed to your care. If you follow the shepherd, then goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life. The promises of Psalm 23 apply to those who follow the shepherd.
Ask God what he wants to do in your situation today.
Read Psalm 23
