The Lord is my great Shepherd

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The most famous Poem in the bible is written in the book of Psalms 23:1-6; and it goes like “Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”.

The beauty of this poem lies in the shepherd who takes care of his flock. The shepherd is the symbolic representation of God being the protector; and the flock is the group of believers. The narration of this shepherd’s care in this poem, is in fact exceeds the expectations of a normal caretaker. It also explains his great love and compassion towards the sheep, while assuring the absolute care and protection. The highlights of this poem comments that the shepherd comforts the sheep all day long even to the point of great terror and danger; and he is able to give as well his own life for the sheep.

There is a truth in this poem which might question the faith of all believers since they are portrayed as sheep. It says that if the Lord is our shepherd; there should be nothing lacking in us. Hence, it’s clear that if the Lord is not our shepherd, there will be something definitely lacking in us. In a sense, those little troubles, or things we lack in life are probably the signs that we may need a shepherd to help our faith or spiritual life. Therefore, it is the time to examine our lives, and so to invite, that great shepherd, if something is missing or troubling in our midst. And then we may enjoy that everlasting goodness and mercy with the Lord, all day long. Amen