He Does So Much For Us

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C, Canada | Category: General | Feb 1986

This is a fact concerning the Lord which we can never question, and it is brought out characteristically in the care of the shepherd for his sheep. A Canadian author, who had been a shepherd, tells how easily sheep can die if a shepherd is not alert. He must watch constantly for signs indicating danger.

Tile appearance of vultures is one of these signs. When the shepherd sees them hovering in an area he will investigate immediately and find, invariably, a sheep "cast down", that is, on its back. If not rescued at once the sheep will die as it is unable to regain its feet from the position it is in. Predators know this and wait patiently for its demise. But a good shepherd is on the scene first, turns the sheep over, and gets it walking again. This is only one of the many requirements in the busy day of a shepherd. Foremost in the shepherd's mind is to meet the needs of the sheep. Whether we realize it or not, this is how the lord deals with us too.

That there is no limit to what the lord can do for us is a lesson we learn so slowly. We need constant reminding that He is our source, resource, and strength. David confessed, "For all things come of Thee, and of Thine

own have we given Thee" (1 Chron. 29:14). Paul instructed the Philippians, "And my God shall fulfil every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (4:19). And a good shepherd, virtually, has to do everything for his flock, that is why they share an affectionate attachment. The Lord Jesus confirmed this by saying, "I am the good shepherd; I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me ... My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me" (John 10:

14,27). He enlightens us further by revealing the negativeness of a hired man. "He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them" (v.12). Sheep need to be possessed, to have their needs met daily by one who cares. A good shepherd does not leave sheep

exposed to danger, but protects even to the sacrificing of his life (v.15).

David was a worthy shepherd and knew the demands of meeting every need of his sheep. In the matter of protection he did not run from the lion and the bear, but confronted and slew them (1 Sam. 17:36). In Psalm 23 he puts himself in the category of a sheep and shows how the lord can meet his every need: v.1, providing; v.2, leading; v.3, guiding; v.4, reassuring; v.5 , protecting; and v.6, in blessing. Tile Lord desires to do the same for us in our daily lives, and we surely long for His leading, assuring, and protecting. All these provisions are available to us. One has described them for us in this way: ''Green pastures beneath, still waters beside, a table before, goodness and mercy behind". That seems to cover everything.

In the opening verse of the Psalm David reveals the unchanging character of the Lord, and that He is the ever present One. "The LORD is my shepherd," he says. "God .15," says the writer to the Hebrews (11:6), and "faith is ..." (v.1). It is when we blend these precious truths together that our Christian lives become greatly enriched. "The Lord is," cries the Psalmist, and when he follows with "my shepherd" he is indicating that a sheep needs an owner. It must not be left to roam aimlessly, unattended, unobserved. The Greek word for overseer, bishop, the spiritual shepherd, is episkopos, meaning to look, watch, oversee. Constant vigil is essential because of enemies in the air and on the ground. Incidentally, the phrase "cast down" is used three times in Psalm 42, and it has tones of depression and distress. When saints experience this they need the spiritual care which restores the spirit and gets them walking again in the ways of the Lord.

Christians receive great comfort from David's words, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me..."(v.4). If applied to the end of life's journey, it is reassuring to know that there can be no "shadow" without light. If He is with us, the true Light, then we lack nothing, and have nothing to fear. Even if the words "shadow of death" can be translated "deep darkness", it matters not, for He who conquered death is with us holding us securely by the hand. The lions' den and the fiery furnace held no fears for Daniel and his friends, because they knew Jehovah Shammah, "the Lord is there". So must we know Him as the provider, leader, guide, and protector in everything.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The floods of distress shall not thee overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress".

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C, Canada | Feb 1986
General