THE GOOD SHEPHERD Larry W Peebles 02/21/20 20.05
It came as no surprise, but we found the roads in India were heavily congested. Most were two-lane with no shoulder, shared by people walking, bicycles, motor bikes, three-wheeled taxis, cars, vans, farm tractors, buses, and trucks of all sizes. Some were trying to move fast, others moved more slowly due to the type of vehicle (such as bicycles and farm tractors), or the heavy load on the vehicles (such as taxis and trucks). We had seen this on previous trips to India, and had learned to relax as best we could, and trust the driver to change lanes and pass the slower vehicles safely. It seemed the horn on the vehicle was constantly sounding, but the drivers use it to signal each other for safe passing. Occasionally we would see a bad accident, but probably no more frequently than we would see one at home. Somehow the Indian drivers manage under conditions that are considerably less safe than we are accustomed to when we drive here in the USA.
We did see something on this trip that I did not remember seeing on previous trips. The area we visited this time had more herds of sheep, goats, buffalo and ox. These herds also shared the roads. The buffalo and ox were being herded into the fields to work the crops. The sheep and goats were being moved to better pasture land. The men herding the animals did their best to keep them on one side of the road, but a two-lane road became one lane with all that traffic still trying to get around the herds. The sheep in particular caught my attention.
Most of the herds of sheep were handled by three men, one lead shepherd, and two helpers. The lead shepherd was out front, walking confidently. The sheep knew him as their leader, kept their eyes on him, and eagerly followed him. They obviously trusted that he knew where they were going. The two helpers kept the sides of the herd tucked-in closely, so that half the road was clear for traffic. Often the lead shepherd would have a new-born or weak/sick lamb draped over his shoulder. He would carry the little one until it became strong enough to walk on its own. With hundreds of sheep he was responsible for, he would carry the one that could not make it by itself. He would lead them to water and greener grass, protecting them all the while.
The word of God suddenly came to life before my eyes. I was reminded of all the pictures I have seen where Jesus is portrayed as a shepherd. Then specific scriptures came to mind describing Jesus as the shepherd. There are many such scriptures, but here are three:
- Psalm 23: 1-6- “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 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 runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
This Psalm is not merely beautiful poetry. David knew Jesus, and wrote prophetically of Him. David came to know Jesus when he sang songs to Him when alone at night watching the sheep. He came to know Him when he fought the bear, the lion, and the giant Goliath. He came to know him when he was anointed to be the next king, yet was running from Saul, the current king. Through it all he remained faithful to the Lord, and worshipped Him. Because he knew Jesus, many of the Psalms written by David are prophetic with regard to Jesus’ birth, death/resurrection, and second coming. The two knew each other so well that while on the cross Jesus quoted David in Psalm 22:1- “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” David knew Jesus as the Shepherd- the One who leads, protects, guides and cares.
2. Ezekiel 34:11-16a- “For thus says the Lord God: Indeed I Myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out my sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will make them lie down says the Lord God. I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.”
Here again we see the Lord as the Shepherd, and the children of Israel as the sheep. More specifically, we learn that the Shepherd is able to gather the sheep no matter where they are scattered, and sort out those sheep who are His from those who are not. He is able to see that they are protected on the high mountains, and are well fed in rich pastures. They lie down in peace, knowing they are cared for.
3. Jesus tells Moses His name in Exodus 3:14- “I AM.” Then in the Book of John and Revelations, Jesus makes a number of statements pertaining to who He is using the phrase “I AM.” In John 10:11 Jesus says- “I AM the good shepherd.” The entire Chapter 10 is great reading on this subject, but here are some additional points. Jesus is willing to give His life for the sheep (v.11). His interest is that of an owner, not a hired hand- He does not flee when the wolf comes (v.12). He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him (v.14). He will gather all the sheep (v.16). His sheep hear His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him (v.27). His sheep will not follow a stranger, but will flee from the stranger (v.5).
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He in fact gave His life for His sheep, and they (we) belong to Him. He knows us, and we should be eager to follow Him. He knows where to lead us, and His level of care provides protection and peace. In those times we are not strong enough to walk on our own, He carries us on His shoulder until we are healthy again. He is able to meet all our needs. It is my prayer that all will come to know Him as the Good Shepherd, and have this relationship with Him.
