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Face to Face:
God Is My Shepherd
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4Even 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. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Throughout the Old Testament, we find God revealing Himself in a variety of ways via the name Yahweh. God is our righteousness, banner, and peace. In this text, Yahweh–Rohi declares that God is our Shepherd. Implied with that name is that we are His sheep -- dumb sheep.
"I shall not want" because my Shepherd meets my every need. As a sheep, I am incapable of providing my needs. Who gives me the ability to breathe? Who makes me able to think? Who gives me the strength and wisdom to work? Who blesses my employer so that I have a place of service? Who permits the crops to grow and animals to mature so that there is food to purchase? Every sheep must rely on the Shepherd for all of his/her needs.
"He makes me lie down" because I do not know when to rest. Only my Shepherd can lead me to the place of restoration. When the issues of life have stressed me to the max, I must run to my Shepherd for comfort.
"Your rod and Your staff" are instruments of comfort for the sheep. With the rod, my Shepherd protects me from the evil one. With His staff, my Shepherd keeps me on the right path of righteousness. To remain safely on the path, I must follow closely after my Shepherd.
To know true intimacy with God, we need to understand who He is, who we are, and just how much we need Him. We cannot survive without our Father any more than a sheep can live without a shepherd. We need to learn to completely depend upon Him.
Copyright 2001, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace |
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