The
LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths
of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I 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 have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and
lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the
house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6
As Jacob was
dying he blessed each of his sons. He
blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and
Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day….” Genesis
48:15. The Lord is my shepherd. Raah means "shepherd" in Hebrew. Just as we read in Psalm 23, a shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture
and keeps them safe. He cares for them. Also see Ezekiel 34:11-15 for a
description of shepherd’s duties. An extend
translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or
"companion." This demonstrates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people.
Jehovah is Lord. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Raah -
it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend." Friend and shepherd—can
a relationship with this God get any better? One who really cares about you and
one who desires to share your life. That is our awesome God.
RSVP: Jesus, our
loving shepherd wants to guide us in paths of righteousness—right living—for
His name sake. Recently I heard a man describe his mother’s theory of child
rearing in a small town as—go play and do as you want, but don’t embarrass me
or our family. Can you hear Jesus saying that to you? Live under my care—let Me
be your shepherd and don’t embarrass Me. I won’t embarrass you. How will you
respond to His call today?
Prayer~ Lord, You are my shepherd and my
friend. I feel Your love and protection. Please continue to cover not only me,
but my family, friends, neighbors and my community with Your protection and
guidance. Give us wisdom as we seek out ways to serve and honor You—for You are
worthy of our praise.
© 2014 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
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