A shepherd is someone who tends and rears sheep. A shepherd caters for the sheep. A shepherd has a responsibility to guide, protect and provide for the sheep. So in a sense, the shepherd watches over the sheep and the sheep is fully dependent on the shepherd.

There is therefore a strong bond that exists between a shepherd and a sheep. The shepherd loves the sheep and expresses this love in the level of care given to the sheep and in return, the sheep trusts and relies on the shepherd.

Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, which He quickly contrasts with a Hireling (a hired hand, who is not the owner of the sheep). From the way Jesus sees it, a shepherd is considered ‘Good‘ when he can go to any length (including losing his own life) to care for the sheep (John 10:11)

We don’t need any other Shepherd dying for us, Jesus already did.

Below I share Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 from the Easy-To-Read version. I pray that it is a reminder to us all, that Jesus is truly committed to caring for us. As you read this Psalm today, consider and assume the position and confidence of its writer….

The Lord is our Shepherd; He watches over and caters for us……..

The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in.

He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength.

He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.

Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.

You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.

Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.

“For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
I Peter 2:25 NKJV

“Like a good shepherd, he takes care of his people. He gathers them like lambs in his arms. He holds them close, while their mothers walk beside him.“
Isaiah 40:11 ERV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
John 10:11‭, ‬14 NKJV

“Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalms 121:4 NKJV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.”
Psalms 23:1‭-‬3 ERV

“Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.“
Psalms 23:4 ERV

“The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.”
Psalms 121:6 NKJV

“You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over.“
Psalms 23:5 ERV

“Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time.“
Psalms 23:6 ERV

I have a Good Shepherd. He is the Shepherd and Overseer of my soul. He never sleeps nor slumbers. He ensures that I have everything that I need. I am kept safe in Him. I am protected from the scorching sun, the moon provides me light in darkness.

Thank You Lord.