The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing

 Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved scripture about our Good Shepherd. Ask people which scripture they love the most and which has meant most to them and many would point to the Twenty-third Psalm. It has dried many tears and lifted many out of the pits of despair and discouragement. This small Psalm deals with almost every adverse circumstance in life and how to win over it.

Pastor Warren W. Wiersbe writes: "The present tense verb “is” means, “the Lord is shepherding me,” indicating an ongoing relationship. Eastern shepherds guarded their sheep, led them, provided food and water for them; took care of them when they were wearied, bruised, cut or sick; rescued them when they strayed; knew their names; assisted in delivering the lambs; and in every way simply loved them."

JEHOVAH-RA’AH—the Lord is my shepherd—(Psalm 23:1)

NASB: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

LEB: Yahweh is my shepherd; I will not lack for anything.

TLB: Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

MSG: God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.

NOG: Yahweh is my Roeh. I am never in need.

NET: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

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10 names of God found in Psalm 23. Here they are. Hope they bless and encourage you as much as they do me!

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1. Jehovah-Raah (the Lord my shepherd). “The LORD is my shepherd” (v. 1). This is one of the most powerful and personal names of God. It is one of my very favorites because it is so tender and so loving. Shepherds in Israel loved their sheep. They gave each one a name. Each day, the shepherd would go ahead of his flock to make sure the path was clear, that there was no danger ahead. He would count each one at night as they came into the pen to make sure no one was missing. When they were all gathered in, he would sleep in front of the opening. The message was clear: “If you want to get to the sheep, you’ll have to come through me!” That’s who Christ is for each one of us. He knows your name and watches over you day and night. 

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2. Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord my provider). “I have all that I need” (v. 1). The first time this name is used for God is in Genesis 22. It’s one of the hardest stories to read as a parent. Abraham and Sarah had longed for a child for so many years. It seemed impossible, but then God intervened. Sarah was ninety years old when she gave birth to their promised son, Isaac. Then God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Can you imagine how painful that must have been? We don’t know how old Isaac was at the time, but trusted biblical scholars agree that he wasn’t a little boy, that he was anywhere between twenty and thirty years old. He had to be strong enough to carry the sufficient amount of wood up a mountain to fully consume a human body. Abraham, by faith, trusted God. He was being tested to see if he truly trusted God’s promise that, through this young man, Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars. As Abraham was about to plunge the knife into his son, God stopped him. Then Abraham saw a ram whose horns were caught in the thicket, and the ram became the sacrifice. We read in Genesis 22:14, “Abraham named the place [Jehovah-Jireh] (which means ‘the LORD will provide’).” This was a foreshadowing of the truth that just as the ram took Isaac’s place, Christ would be the provided Lamb as the perfect sacrifice for us. 

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3. Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord my peace). “He lets me rest in green meadows” (v. 2). The first time this name appears in the Bible is in Judges 6. The angel of the Lord appeared to a young man named Gideon and told him that he would be the one to deliver his people from their enemies. Gideon was terrified and asked for a sign that the messenger was really from God. He asked the angel (not realizing that this was actually an Old Testament appearance of Christ) to wait until he could come back with a meal. When Christ touched the meal with the tip of His staff, fire consumed it all, and He disappeared. When Gideon realized that he’d been talking to the angel of the Lord, he was sure he was going to die. The Lord told him that he was not going to die. So Gideon built an altar and named it Jehovah-Shalom—the Lord is peace. Christ’s presence was peace to Gideon that day, and He offers that same peace to you today. 

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4. Jehovah-Rophe (the Lord my healer). “He renews my strength” (v. 3). That name, Rophe, or Rapha, means “The Lord is my healer, physically and spiritually.” The thing that is so fascinating about this name is that unlike Jehovah-Jireh or Jehovah-Shalom, where God’s people gave Him a name, it was God Himself who revealed this name to the children of Israel. He told them that He is Jehovah-Rophe after they’d crossed the Red Sea. For I am the LORD who heals you. (Exod. 15:26) On the cross, that healing was perfected. But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. (Isa. 53:5) 

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5. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (the Lord is our righteousness). “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name” (v. 3). The prophet Jeremiah, looking ahead to the day that Jesus, our Messiah, would come to save His people, wrote, In those days and at that time I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. In that day Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this will be its name: “The LORD Is Our Righteousness.” (33:15–16) No matter what you’ve done, no matter how often you have failed or fallen down, when Christ is your Savior, He alone is your righteousness. He makes you right with God. 

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6. Jehovah-Ezer (the Lord is my help). “Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (v. 4). We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help [Ezer] and our shield. (Ps. 33:20) I love the way Charles Spurgeon fleshes that out. Men can come to our help, but they travel slowly, creeping along the earth. Lo, our God comes riding on the heavens. They who travel on the earth may be stopped by enemies, they certainly will be hindered; but he that rides upon the heavens cannot be stayed nor even delayed. When Jehovah’s excellency comes flying upon the sky on the wings of the wind, how gloriously are displayed the swiftness, the certainty, and the all-sufficiency of delivering grace. God has ways to help us that we dream not of.

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7. Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord my standard of victory). “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies” (v. 5). The full meaning of this name can be hard to grasp. Clearly we’re not at an all-you-can-eat buffet, surrounded by enemies. So what does it mean? In Exodus 17:15 we read, “Moses built an altar there and named it [Jehovah-Nissi] (which means ‘the LORD is my banner’).” Moses, Joshua, and the children of Israel were in a fierce battle with a hostile desert tribe. They were constantly crossing land where they were not welcome, and they had to fight for their survival. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. (Exod. 17:10–13) Remembering how God has delivered us in the past is a wonderful spiritual discipline. You might want to find a little stone and write a word or a date on it to remind you that God delivered you once and He can do it again. 

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8. Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (the Lord who sanctifies me). “You honor me by anointing my head with oil” (v. 5). In the Old Testament, the children of Israel had 613 laws that they had to keep to be holy in God’s sight. There were 365 don’ts and 248 dos. So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy. (Lev. 20:7–8) Can you imagine the burden of waking up every day with 613 laws to keep? But for us, it is Christ who makes us holy. Now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (Col. 1:22) We’re not saved by trusting in our own goodness or holiness. We are saved by trusting in His. 

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9. Jehovah-Manah (the Lord is my portion). “My cup overflows with blessings” (v. 5). Over and over, the writers of the Psalms say, “The Lord is my portion.” In Psalm 73:25–26 we read, Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (NIV) I want to live like that. I want to live with total devotion to Christ, soaking my life in the truth of His Word. Whatever you feel as if you’re lacking today, the Lord is your portion. 

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10. Jehovah-Cheleq (the Lord my inheritance). “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever” (v. 6). We find this name of God in Deuteronomy 18:2. When the land God gave to His people was divided among the tribes of Israel, the only tribe that received no land was the Levites. They were the ones who led in worship, and this is what God said about them: They shall have no inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the LORD is their inheritance, as he promised them. (NIV) I love that. What a gift to those who led in worship. Now that gift is for everyone who trusts in Christ. The Lord Himself is our inheritance. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph. 1:18–19 NIV)

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When I am praying, I picture Jesus Christ, my Shepherd, in the green pasture of the 23rd Psalm. As I pray, I take whatever concern I have, or the person for whom I am interceding by the hand. I walk out to the meadow, the green pasture, and I place my concern, or the hand of the person for whom I am interceding, in Jesus’ hand…knowing that He is sovereign, He loves me, and He loves the person for whom I am interceding more than I do. He has a plan, a hope, and a future for each of us…and I walk away, thanking God for how He is working in my life and in the lives of those for whom I am interceding. I experience a feeling of peace…as Catherine Marshall prayed, Lord, I trust You…You know what You’re doing…I relinquish my will to Yours.

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O Heavenly Father, we ask you to wrap Your Loving Arms around us today. You are close to the brokenhearted and You save those who are crushed in spirit. You are our Shepherd, we lack nothing. You make us lie down in green pastures, You lead us beside the still waters. You restore our souls. You lead us in the path of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for You are with us. You are Emmanuel, God with us, we are absolutely certain, You are with us at this time. Your rod and Your staff, Your Holy Spirit and Your Word, they comfort us. You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our heads with oil, our cup overflows with blessings. Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Look Up—meditate on Psalm 23

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Look In—as you meditate on Psalm 23 pray to see how you might apply it to your life.

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Look Out—as you meditate on Psalm 23 pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others.

Good Shepherd in Psalm 23:6

artwork by Krista Hamrick

It is so energizing and exciting to participate in #Write31days, an online writing challenge where writers pick one topic and write a post on that topic every day in the month of October. Within the #Write31days category of Inspiration & Faith, I chose to focus on the topic of the Name Above All Names every day for 31 days. You can view each of my daily posts at this landing page.


Krista Hamrick’s beautiful original art prints, Name Above All Names Alphabet and Psalm 23 have so inspired me. Each of the 26 individual Names she has identified are so special, as Krista has intricately painted, almost like stained glass windows, each one with its Scripture reference.

My heart has been drawn to do a word study for each of the names included in her art print. Krista and I felt led to publish our Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ available on Amazon at this link. 

I was inspired by listening to this beautiful rendition of the Psalm 23 song, The Lord's My Shepherd, by Stuart Townend. while studying  John 10:11 …

NASB:  I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 

Amplified: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

J. B. Phillips: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd will give his life for the sake of his sheep.

The Message: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved scripture about our Good Shepherd. Ask people which scripture they love the most and which has meant most to them and many would point to the Twenty-third Psalm. It has dried many tears and lifted many out of the pits of despair and discouragement. This small Psalm deals with almost every adverse circumstance in life and how to win over it.

Verse-by-verse study of Psalm 23:6 ...

AMP:  Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

CEB: Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.

EXB: Surely your goodness and love [loyalty; mercy] will be with [pursue; follow] me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord ·forever [for length of days].

TLB: Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

MSG: Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

JEHOVAH-JIREH—The Lord, my provider (Genesis 22:14)

Pastor Warren W. Wiersbe writes:

23:6—"As the shepherd lay each night at the door of the sheepfold, he looked back over the day and gave thanks that the Lord had blessed them with goodness and mercy. Dr. Harry Ironside used to say that goodness and mercy are the two sheepdogs that help keep the sheep where they belong. We live our lives one day at a time, because God built the universe to run one day at a time. There must be a time for labor and a time for rest. When we try to live two or three days at a time, we cannot enjoy today. Eventually, this catches up with us physically, emotionally and spiritually. As an old man, David looked back over his long life and came to the same conclusion. In spite of his sins and failures, he had been followed by goodness and mercy, which is the Old Testament equivalent of Romans 8:28. Under the old covenant, the sheep died for the shepherd,  but under the new covenant, the Shepherd died for the sheep—and we shall meet our Shepherd in heaven! “For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). As David looked ahead, he knew he would be in heaven—the Father’s house—forever."

In the eastern tradition, a shepherd walks at the head of the flock. This is much different from the western tradition of driving the sheep from behind. The shepherd calls the flock out of the pen in the early morning to lead them to pools or wells of water where they can quench their thirst. He then guides them to green pastures, taking them around the rocky places where they might stumble. He assists the tiny and fragile sheep by lifting them with the crook of his staff. He runs his hand over the sheep as they enter the pen, counting them and ensuring that they have returned from the pasture unharmed. Then the shepherd settles in for the night to watch for predators. How awesome that Jesus is our shepherd. He will lead us to living water and guide us along the right path even when the way is rocky. He carries us when we stumble and watches over us during the dark nights of our lives, making us feel secure. All that He asks is that we respond to His voice and follow Him.

Heavenly Father, It is comforting to know that I am not alone in the journey called life. God, I thank You that You are ever vigilant, watching over me, meeting with me in the morning, and abiding with me through the night. Even though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your name is Emmanuel--God with us--I am absolutely certain You are with me, You will never leave me or forsake me. May I always respond to Your voice and stay close to You. I gladly follow You as You call my name! In Your mighty Name Above All Names--Good Shepherd, we pray, amen.

Look Up—meditate on John 10:11.  Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

* If you liked this post you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ

Weekly LinkUps…

Good Shepherd in Psalm 23:5

artwork by Krista Hamrick

It is so energizing and exciting to participate in #Write31days, an online writing challenge where writers pick one topic and write a post on that topic every day in the month of October. Within the #Write31days category of Inspiration & Faith, I chose to focus on the topic of the Name Above All Names every day for 31 days. You can view each of my daily posts at this landing page.



Krista Hamrick’s beautiful original art prints, Name Above All Names Alphabet and Psalm 23 have so inspired me. Each of the 26 individual Names she has identified are so special, as Krista has intricately painted, almost like stained glass windows, each one with its Scripture reference.

My heart has been drawn to do a word study for each of the names included in her art print. Krista and I felt led to publish our Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ available on Amazon at this link. 

I was inspired by listening to this beautiful rendition of the Psalm 23 song, The Lord's My Shepherd, by Stuart Townend. while studying John 10:11 …

NASB:  I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 

Amplified: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

J. B. Phillips: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd will give his life for the sake of his sheep.

The Message: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved scripture about our Good Shepherd. Ask people which scripture they love the most and which has meant most to them and many would point to the Twenty-third Psalm. It has dried many tears and lifted many out of the pits of despair and discouragement. This small Psalm deals with almost every adverse circumstance in life and how to win over it.

Verse-by-verse study of Psalm 23:5...

AMPC: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

CEB: You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over!

EXB: You prepare a ·meal [table] for me in ·front [the presence] of my enemies. You ·pour oil of blessing on my head [anoint my head with oil; oil was a means of refreshment in a hot, dry environment]; you ·fill my cup to overflowing [ make my cup overflow; a cup of blessing].

TLB: You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

MSG: You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

Pastor Warren W. Wiersbe writes:
23:5a—"Another word for “feast” is “table.” This table doesn’t necessarily refer to a piece of furniture used by humans, for the word simply means, “something spread out.” Flat places in the hilly country were called “tables,” and sometimes the shepherd stopped the flock at these “tables” and allowed them to eat and rest as they headed for the fold."

23:5b—"The shepherd would examine the sheep as they entered the fold to be sure none of them was bruised, injured, or sick from eating a poisonous plant. To the wounds, he applied the soothing oil, and for the thirsty, he had his large two-handled cup filled with water. He would also apply the oil to the heads and the horns of the sheep to help keep the flies and other insects away. The sheep knew they were safe, and they could sleep without fear."

JEHOVAH-NISSI—The Lord, our banner (Exodus 17:15)--You prepare a table before me

JEHOVAH-RAPHA—The Lord, my healer (Exodus 15:26)--You anoint my head with oil

The Good Shepherd would go before the flock and inspect the range. He would look for anything that could be a threat to the sheep. He removed poisonous plants. He looked for signs of wild animals, vipers, and poisonous spiders. After dealing with these enemies, the sheep are then brought in to graze in safety all the while the watchful eye of the shepherd alert for enemies.

Jehovah-Nissi--God is our Banner--A banner has the idea of a raised flag or pole, which is a symbol of victory. It has the idea of a banner gleaming conspicuously for all to see. It's the Cross that is the symbol of our victory. We are justified on the basis of Christ’s finished work on the Cross. We are under the banner of the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ. Because we have placed our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed by His precious blood. The threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed. Knowing that God’s love for us and approval of us will never be determined by our performance is the most encouraging promise to which we cling.

Pastor Charles Spurgeon writes: "Thou preparest a table, just as a servant does, when he unfolds the damask cloth and displays the ornaments of the feast on an ordinary peaceful occasion. Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door, and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. Oh! the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! Anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows, both activities represent the first two things a gracious host would do for an honored guest in David's day. The host would take a small clay pitcher with a very narrow neck, break the neck and pour the perfumed oil over the guest's head until it drips onto his beard and clothes, thus anointing him with a sweet smell. What a scene of blessing and honor. The psalmist’s head was anointed with oil, a generous gesture which bestowed honor on him as an esteemed guest. My cup overflows, not only enough, a full cup but more than enough, an overflowing cup,  not half-filled, but running over, not “leftovers” but abundantly given. God’s provision is as abundant as the drink offered to a guest by a generous host. The lavish treatment of the guest is indicative of the loving care of God for His people."

In the eastern tradition, a shepherd walks at the head of the flock. This is much different from the western tradition of driving the sheep from behind. The shepherd calls the flock out of the pen in the early morning to lead them to pools or wells of water where they can quench their thirst. He then guides them to green pastures, taking them around the rocky places where they might stumble. He assists the tiny and fragile sheep by lifting them with the crook of his staff. He runs his hand over the sheep as they enter the pen, counting them and ensuring that they have returned from the pasture unharmed. Then the shepherd settles in for the night to watch for predators. How awesome that Jesus is our shepherd. He will lead us to living water and guide us along the right path even when the way is rocky. He carries us when we stumble and watches over us during the dark nights of our lives, making us feel secure. All that He asks is that we respond to His voice and follow Him. 

Heavenly Father, It is comforting to know that I am not alone in the journey called life. God, I thank You that You are ever vigilant, watching over me, meeting with me in the morning, and abiding with me through the night. Even though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your name is Emmanuel--God with us--I am absolutely certain You are with me, You will never leave me or forsake me. May I always respond to Your voice and stay close to You. I gladly follow You as You call my name! In Your mighty Name Above All Names--Good Shepherd, we pray, amen.

Look Up—meditate on John 10:11.  Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.


* If you liked this post you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ

Weekly LinkUps…

Good Shepherd in Psalm 23:3

artwork by Krista Hamrick

It is so energizing and exciting to participate in #Write31days, an online writing challenge where writers pick one topic and write a post on that topic every day in the month of October. Within the #Write31days category of Inspiration & Faith, I chose to focus on the topic of the Name Above All Names every day for 31 days. You can view each of my daily posts at this landing page.


Krista Hamrick’s beautiful original art prints, Name Above All Names Alphabet and Psalm 23 have so inspired me. Each of the 26 individual Names she has identified are so special, as Krista has intricately painted, almost like stained glass windows, each one with its Scripture reference.

My heart has been drawn to do a word study for each of the names included in her art print. Krista and I felt led to publish our Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ available on Amazon at this link. 

I was inspired by Chris Tomlin's anointed Good, Good Father while studying  John 10:11 …

NASB:  I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 

Amplified: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

J. B. Phillips: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd will give his life for the sake of his sheep.

The Message: I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved scripture about our Good Shepherd. Ask people which scripture they love the most and which has meant most to them and many would point to the Twenty-third Psalm. It has dried many tears and lifted many out of the pits of despair and discouragement. This small Psalm deals with almost every adverse circumstance in life and how to win over it.

Verse-by-verse study of Psalm 23:3…

AMPC: He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

CJB: He restores my inner person. He guides me in right paths for the sake of his own name.

EXB: He gives me new strength [renews my soul]. He leads me on paths that are right [righteous; or straight] for the good [sake] of his name [reputation].

TLB: He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

MSG: True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

JEHOVAH-RAPHA—The Lord, my healer (Exodus 15:26)—He restores my soul:

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU—The Lord, our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)—He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Pastor Warren W. Wiersbe writes: “God cares for us because He loves us and wants us to glorify Him. The shepherd cares for his sheep because he loves them and wants to maintain his own good reputation as a faithful shepherd.”

Jehovah-Rapha, the Good Shepherd is our restorer. He puts our lives back together. He gives us a new start. He renews and revives us. He picks us up, heal our hurts, our bitterness, our rejection, our loneliness, our feeling of worthlessness, that pain of a broken heart. He is our cure. He is the Great Physician.

The Good Shepherd goes ahead of the flock to discover green pastures and still waters. Then, he comes back to the sheep and escorts them to that place. He keeps them on the right path, the right direction. The shepherd's reputation is at stake when someone sees a sheep off the path, the right direction.

Jehovah-Tsidkenu: "I AM your righteousness." When we receive Christ as Savior and Lord we receive His robe of righteousness for our rags. We are made right with God. He then leads us in the right direction. He places us on the right path. The Good Shepherd has gone ahead of us, He has sent the Holy Spirit to escort us and show us the right way.

Pastor Octavius Winslow writes: “David, the king of Israel, would, from his early occupation as a shepherd, be thoroughly conversant with the roaming instincts of his flock, its natural proneness to wander, and its utter inability, by either memory or skill to retrace its steps back to the fold. His own spiritual history, as a sheep of Christ's flock, would supply Him with a striking and melancholy illustration of this fact in natural history. If ever there were a sad wanderer from the sacred fold, or one who, when restored, more sincerely deplored his backsliding, frankly confessed his sins and deeply felt his inability by any self-effort to return to God—it was David."

Pastor Winslow continues: "Who is the Restorer, but the Shepherd, whose the sheep are, and from whom they have wandered! There is but one Being who would or could go in quest of the stray sheep—traversing the bleak mountains and the lonely valleys, and the dark, stormy night, until He finds it, bringing it back upon His shoulder rejoicing. Christ alone knows the existence and extent of our soul-backslidings. With His hand upon the pulse—His eye upon the heart—acquainted with every fluctuating thought and emotion of the soul; who so fitted as He to seek and restore the wanderer from His fold? Oh what a throb of gratitude should beat in our hearts at the thought that Jesus knows us altogether—all our infirmities, and all our graces—when the pulse of love beats faintly, or when, in the sincerity of our hearts, we can appeal to His Omniscience, and exclaim, "You know that I love You!" "I know my sheep."

In the eastern tradition, a shepherd walks at the head of the flock. This is much different from the western tradition of driving the sheep from behind. The shepherd calls the flock out of the pen in the early morning to lead them to pools or wells of water where they can quench their thirst. He then guides them to green pastures, taking them around the rocky places where they might stumble. He assists the tiny and fragile sheep by lifting them with the crook of his staff. He runs his hand over the sheep as they enter the pen, counting them and ensuring that they have returned from the pasture unharmed. Then the shepherd settles in for the night to watch for predators. How awesome that Jesus is our shepherd. He will lead us to living water and guide us along the right path even when the way is rocky. He carries us when we stumble and watches over us during the dark nights of our lives, making us feel secure. All that He asks is that we respond to His voice and follow Him. 

Heavenly Father, It is comforting to know that I am not alone in the journey called life. God, I thank You that You are ever vigilant, watching over me, meeting with me in the morning, and abiding with me through the night. Even though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your name is Emmanuel--God with us--I am absolutely certain You are with me, You will never leave me or forsake me. May I always respond to Your voice and stay close to You. I gladly follow You as You call my name! In Your mighty Name Above All Names--Good Shepherd, we pray, amen.
Look Up—meditate on John 10:11.  Pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on John 10:11 pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.

* If you liked this post you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ

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