That's Him. Why do I want Him to be my Chief Shepherd forever? Because He made me smart enough to know that He is the very BEST one to guide, that's why. He SO loves you too!
The Lord is my choice of Shepherds among all those persons acting like shepherds here. I love Him and have decided to follow him today and yes, follow Him closely every single day. I want to be with Him forever. Why have I have I decided to follow tight with Him? Well, He properly feeds, and leads. What a great Guide through life -- there are none better..ever. He is a shield for me; I shall not want (do you from time to time suffer lack? I lack nothing, Jesus meets all my needs that pop up). He leads and lets me lie down in green pastures (not in burr and sticker patches of weeds), where the meadow is verdant and the grass is very lush and inviting. Jesus Christ (who died who in love died on a cross for you and me) daily leads me beside the still, pleasant and quiet waters, where the gentle flow brings peace to my mind, heart and soul. He refreshes and restores my inner soul (my whole life) with His loving presence. That's what I really long for deep inside. He leads me step by step in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (I always want to represent Him well no matter where I wander), ensuring that I walk surefooted in ways that honor Him. Even though I walk through the sunless valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are close with me; Your rod, which serves to protect, and Your staff that's there to skillfully guide me, they comfort and console me during troubled times. You prepare a table to dine and fellowship with me -- right before me in the presence of my enemies, showing that I am well cared for even in very trying and difficult situations. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil -- just poured it upon me -- a sign of divine blessing and proper healing; My cup overflows with Your goodness and generous grace. Surely goodness, kind mercy and stong 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. See Psalm 23.
Jesus is the good shepherd, He said so
He's “the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls” believers (see 1 Peter 2:25), and he is the Chief Shepherd to whom all the other shepherds will answer (1 Peter 5:4).
Could there be an over-emphasis, or a control issue arise? Yes.
John 10:10-16
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
1 Peter 2:25
For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
John 10:26-29
But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 26:31
Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
'I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
John 10:2-3
But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
1 Peter 5:2-4
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Micah 5:4
And He shall stand and feed His flock
In the strength of the LORD,
In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God;
And they shall abide,
For now He shall be great
To the ends of the earth;
Micah 7:14-15
Shepherd Your people with Your staff,
The flock of Your heritage,
Who dwell solitarily in a woodland,
In the midst of Carmel;
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,
As in days of old.
“ As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt,
I will show them wonders.”
Matthew 2:6
‘ But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;
For out of you shall come a Ruler
Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
Mark 14:27
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘ I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
John 10:8
All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.
Revelation 7:17
for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'
Genesis 49:24
But his bow remained in strength,
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob
(From there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
Numbers 27:17
who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be like sheep which have no shepherd."
Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Psalm 28:9
Save Your people,
And bless Your inheritance;
Shepherd them also,
And bear them up forever.
Psalm 80:1
To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
Psalm 95:7
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture,
And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:
Ecclesiastes 12:11
The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
Isaiah 40:11
He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.
Jeremiah 31:10
' Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,
And declare it in the isles afar off, and say,
' He who scattered Israel will gather him,
And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.'
Ezekiel 34:5-8
So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” ‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: “As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock”—
Ezekiel 34:10-16
Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.” ‘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 a 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; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”
Micah 2:12
“ I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob,
I will surely gather the remnant of Israel;
I will put them together like sheep of the fold,
Like a flock in the midst of their pasture;
They shall make a loud noise because of so many people.
Zechariah 9:16
The LORD their God will save them in that day,
As the flock of His people.
For they shall be like the jewels of a crown,
Lifted like a banner over His land—
Zechariah 10:3
“ My anger is kindled against the shepherds,
And I will punish the goatherds.
For the LORD of hosts will visit His flock,
The house of Judah,
And will make them as His royal horse in the battle.
Zechariah 13:7
“ Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd,
Against the Man who is My Companion,”
Says the LORD of hosts.
“ Strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered;
Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.
Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Mark 6:34
And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.
Luke 12:32
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 15:4-7
"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
John 21:15-17
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Feed My lambs.' He said to him again a second time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' He said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.' He said to him, 'Tend My sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?' Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, 'Do you love Me?' And he said to Him, 'Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed My sheep.
Revelation 12:5
She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
Got some other verses
What is the significance of sheep in the Bible?
Why were the sheep scattered after their shepherd was struck?
Though Psalm 23 is often read at funerals or times of pain, its message applies to the days of your life and mine right now (see v. 6). The Savior who died for you, who also lives for you, and who daily cares for you, just like a benevolent Chief Shepherd among real sheep genuinely cares for those sheep.. cares (John 10:1–18).
Listen, if you can say, "The LORD is my Shepherd," you can also confidently declare, "I shall not want." This declaration is a powerful affirmation of trust and reliance on a faithful God. He's there for you and will respond to your prayers, and He knows what you need before you even know yourself.
The Shepherd feeds us well, wants us spiritually well, and leads us well. We will enjoy eternity with Him well even if there are times in this fallen world when we or things around us are not always so easy or well. Here during this lifetime, Jesus lovingly allows certain trials into the lives of believers so that they will grow well but He won't give you more than you can handle. Call out to Him as much as you feel like and even when you don't feel like it -- Christ will respond.
You know how sheep must have non-parched grass and fresh water to live by, and this Chief Shepherd finds those essential nutrients and elements for them to enjoy. God is omni present -- He meets the everyday needs of your life, believer, as you follow Him (Ps. 37:25; Phil. 4:18). Allow the Lord to be your Lord in all your thoughts, attitudes and daily practice, not merely "Lord" theoretically. If this Shepherd (Jesus of the Bible) is not Lord of all in your life, how do you think Jesus is Lord at all with you?
You do not need to fret or tribulate inside. Please, never worry! Instead.. pray earnestly. Lord, help me get back to You and into a healthy church. I need fellowship with growing born again believers who pray and study your word. I want to regularly worship you in Spirit and in truth. There are so many things that can distract us away from this relationship, but I don't want to be led astray. Help me stay and walk faithfully in order to influence other people closer to You -- You're always consistent and faithful. You can give wisdom, discernment and even empower me today.
Jesus knows what you and I need before we even think to ask the Father for anything. He provides for you in ways that you may not always see, like protection on the road, but His unselfish agape care is constant and unwavering.
If we are prone to wander away after dumb idols and junk, but Jesus passionately seeks us out and He restores us, just as He did with King David, with Jonah, and with impetuous Peter the Apostle. When we stray from God's path, He does not bail out abandoning us like many people would; instead, He actively seeks us out (in this corrupt world, out from what's wrong. Yes, there's a holy separation involved). He tenderly brings us back into His good fold. When we need to know which way to go, to know, to show.. Jesus is the one who shows us the right path to walk in, and then He goes before us to prepare the way so it's just right.
Even in the places of danger here, we need not be afraid at all. (Note the change from "He" in verses 1–3 to "You" in verses 4–5.) He is right there with you! His presence is a source of great comfort, joy and strength, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles. We used to be His enemies, but now we are His friends.
Jesus in fact told his disciples, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." John 15:14-16 nkjv
At the end of the dark valley, Christ has a special blessing for you indeed: you drink of His refreshing water of life, and you receive of the Spirit's strong anointing. The Shepherd is there to care for every pain, every ache, every hurt and to heal every bruise. He totally gets it. He deeply understands your heartache, your brokenness, your inner pain and sorrow of mind, and He is ready to carefully mend all your brokenness. That's what sanctification is all about. His love is a healing balm for your wounds, and His grace is sufficient for you -- for your every need.
One day, you will look back at your life here and see that it was only His "goodness and mercy," and that includes those dark valley experiences that you didn't understand at the time. If the circumstances of life here are kind of difficult today, just stay focused primarily on Jesus. Just keep following the Chief Shepherd; He will never lead you where He cannot care and well provide for you. Trust in Him and in His biblical plan, even when the path seems harsh and unclear. He is working all things together for your good (see Romans 8:28-29). His good faithfulness will shine through every trial. You can opt to reflect the light of the Son today in this dark world.
See 23:1 okay: In describing the Lord as a kind Shepherd, King David wrote out some details of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for some sheep as well (See 1 Samuel 16:10, 11). Sheep are not smart creatures, yeah, not so much. They are completely dependent on their shepherd for provision, for guidance, and for protection.
The New Testament in the Bible calls Jesus the Good Shepherd because that's what He is like (see John 10:11), the Great Shepherd of the sheep (see Hebrews 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd, Christ (1 Peter 5:4 amp). As the Lord is the good shepherd, so we are to be His good sheep (by His power)—not frightened or passive animals, but obedient followers. Yes, wise enough to follow the One who will lead us into the right places and in just the right ways. We want to do things His way. This psalm 23 does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep but on the discipleship qualities of those who will follow Him. When you recognize the Good Shepherd for who He really is, you really want to follow Him closely all the way home!
1
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me (v.4 Or the dark valley of death.).
5
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6
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." Ps. 23 nlt
See 23:2, 3 in this psalm. When we allow the Lord, our Chief Shepherd, to guide us step by step, we find true contentment inside. We don't seek joy and happiness directly, but we seek to do His will and guess what we enjoy? Joy and happiness with Him. When we choose to sin and go our own way here, however, we cannot then blame God for the lame environment we create for ourselves. Our caring Shepherd knows the "green meadows" and "peaceful streams" and where there are for us. He knows exactly how He will restore us. We will reach these places only by following Him who alone is HOLY .. obediently. Rebelling against this Shepherd's leading is actually rebelling against our own best interests so why do that? Why walk proud and presumptuously? Why resist Him and rebel -- why see yourself hurt? Fearing the Lord has to do with respect, reverence and with smart concern regarding the discipline he has for any erroring children of God. Our Father God disciplines us in love so we can be changed and walk like Jesus did.
We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way here, rather than the Chief Shepherd's way. The path He lays out for us is filled with great blessings and peace that passes all understanding while straying from it leads to confusion, chaos and hardship.
Now see verse 4 in Psalm 23. Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies in this fallen and broken world of confused people—with pain, with some suffering, with disease, and with injury at times—but human strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word, but not for reborn Christians. We will be raised from the grave one day.
Only one person can walk with us here through death's dark valley and bring us safely to the other side—that's Jesus the God of eternal life, our true Shepherd. Because life here pre-rapture is uncertain, we should follow this Chief Shepherd who offers us all we really need and eternal comfort. He is our living hope during these perilous times of despair, and His Bible promise of eternal life gives us real courage to face the unknown.
See 23:5, 6 too. Back in the day.. in ancient Near Eastern culture, at a feast, it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil on their head. Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs. That's part of real hospitality. God offers the protection of a great Host even when the haters are gonna hate.. those real hateful enemies that surround us. In the final scene of this psalm 23, we see that believers will dwell close with the Lord. God, the perfect shepherd and Host among all kind hosts, promises to guide and protect us throughout our life and to bring us into His house forever. This assurance of His presence and protection is a source of great comfort, reminding us that we are never ever alone in our journey here.
In conclusion, the imagery of the Lord as our Shepherd is a powerful reminder of His love and tender care for us. Think about that often. He provides for our needs, He guides us into the best and right direction, and He comforts us in our times of trouble. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can take adequate solace in the Bible facts.. yes, in His promise that we are under His watchful eye. The promise of goodness and mercy following us ALL the days of our lives is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness.
As we reflect some more on Psalm 23, let us remind ourselves.. and always remember that we are called to HIm, to trust in this Chief Shepherd who knows all things. He knows each of us intimately because He created each of us. He thoroughly understands us and all our struggles, all our fears, and all our longings, aspirations.. all our dreams and desires. When we place our trust in Him, we can experience true peace and contentment we've always longed for, we can become more us (more you) than we ever were before. He doesn't make any of us into churchy automaton robots. He knows what He has in store for us and He is always there for us to make sure we don't miss Him, but obtain what He has for each of us. Be encouraged, be challenged to press in and seek Him some more. So, let us follow Him more closely, and allow His WISE guidance to lead us to those green pastures and those still waters so that He Himself will restore our souls.
Father, help us each one.. to break free from all that holds us back so we can advance with You, and free from that brokenness we acutely feeI inside, in Jesus' name. Help us to enjoy real zoe life, the abundant life of the Spirit that You promise to all who will follow Jesus.
Let us embrace the truth that the Lord is our Chief Shepherd, and in a relationship with Him, we shall not lack. He is our provider, our protector, our mentor, our life coach, our guide leading us through every type of terrain and season of this life. As we walk with Jesus, we can be assured that His GOOD goodness and KIND mercy will indeed follow us, and we will stay with HIs stability, and dwell in His presence forever. Come to the Chief Shepherd if you're not sure you are right with Him. It's not about faith in faith or in some religion. Trust Him for He is faithful, and His love endures through ALL generations!
