By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read: Psalm 23:1-6

By Rev. Ron Purkey

“The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Hebrews 13:20-21 informs us that today Jesus is the great shepherd who cares for the sheep. We are his sheep, and as we follow him he ministers to us. Jesus did not simply die for us; he rose again and lives for us. He is the great shepherd, the great high priest. “I shall not want” is the theme of Psalm 23. “I shall not want” for: rest and refreshment” (verse 2), “I shall not want” for: restoration and righteousness (verse 3), “I shall not want” for: protection in trouble (verse 4), “I shall not want” for: provision in the wilderness (verse 5), and “I shall not want” for: a home to go to at the end of the day (verse 6).

Of course, the picture here is that of the Oriental shepherd and his flock. Such a shepherd knows each sheep by name. The shepherd goes before the sheep and makes sure they are not walking into danger (John 10:27-28). The sheep never need worry when they follow the shepherd, for he will protect them and provide for them. Even when they go through a dangerous valley (verse 4), the shepherd is beside them, and beyond the valley is the house of rest. At the end of the day, the shepherd leads the flock back to the fold and stands by the open door to examine each one as it enters. If he sees one that is bruised or weary, he puts the refreshing oil upon it to soothe and heal it, and gives it a drink of cool water. How gracious our shepherd is to care for us.

Each of the OT names for God is seen in this psalm: Jehovah-Jireh, “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:13-14); Jehovah-Rapha, “The Lord will heal or restore” (Exodus 15:26); Jehovah-Shalom, “The Lord our peace” (Judges. 6:24); Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The Lord our righteousness,” (Jeremiah 23:6); Jehovah-Shammah, “The Lord is there,” (Ezekiel 48:35); Jehovah-Nissi, “The Lord our banner” (Exodus 17:8-15); and Jehovah-Raah, “The Lord my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1). In other words, the Lord Jesus Christ is to his sheep all that they ever need. As the little child said when misquoting this psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd — what more shall I want?”

Submit to “the great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), our Lord Jesus. He lays down his life for his sheep (see John 10:11), and through his wounds, we are healed (see 1 Peter 2:24). If you have gone astray, return to him (1 Peter 2:25), because he knows his sheep, and they know him (see John 10:14). He will welcome you.

Read Ron Purkey’s free Bible study outlines at rcpbibleoutlines.com Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.