MEDITATIONS
FROM THE PSALMS
June 15, 2005
Reading: Psalm 78:40-54
“But He made His own people go forth like
sheep” Psalm 78:52
Listen, soul of mine, to words that will bring you comfort as you traverse the path laid out for you here on earth. When God chose to liken His people to sheep and Himself as the Shepherd, it was an allegory with which they could easily identify.
It is not the most flattering thing to be likened to sheep, but that is God’s choice and He knows best. The most wonderful aspect of this allegory is that Jesus is your Shepherd. Without Jesus as your Shepherd you would be easy prey to predators as they roam about seeking whom they may devour.
Take note, my soul, that you are
not permitted to wander aimlessly in this world because your Good Shepherd
“made His own people go forth like sheep.” Your Shepherd is in control of your life. As
God, He knows where the lions and bears are and when they plan to ravage the
flock, so He makes you move into safer pastures. Jesus said, “I am the good
shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”
You belong to Him because He bought you with His own blood on the cross of
He does not push you, He guides you. In order to guide you He has to lead, and in order to lead He has be out in front. But read on and note that “He led them on safely.” No surprises occur when the Good Shepherd is in control—the path along which He leads you is safe from ditches and crevices and from wild animals. When these things confront you He is able to protect you from all harm. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”
While it is your nature to be skittish, there is no cause for you to be afraid for He leads you so you may “not fear.” Your Shepherd said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” When the craggy rocks of life seem to threaten you and you hear the howling of the wolves close by, it is then that you need to remember that the Great Shepherd is leading and has everything under control.
Oh,
dear Jesus, how often I need to be reminded that You
are my Shepherd, my Leader and my Guide. You are my Protector, and even though
I pass through deep waters You do not abandon me—Your
rod and staff comfort me. Forgive me for the times I do not trust You, and help me to keep my eyes fixed on You, knowing that
You will never lead me astray.
Savior,
like a Shepherd lead us,
Much
we need Thy tender care;
In
Thy blessed pastures feed us,
For
our use Thy fold prepare:
Blessed
Jesus,
Thou
hast bought us, Thine we are.
We
are Thine, do Thou befriend us;
Be
the Guardian of our way;
Keep
Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek
us when we go astray:
Blessed
Jesus,
Hear
Thy children when they pray.
Thou
hast promised to receive us,
Poor
and sinful though we be;
Thou
hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace
to cleanse, and power to free:
Blessed
Jesus,
Let
us early turn to Thee.
Early
let us seek Thy favor,
Early
let us do Thy will;
Blessed
Lord and only Savior,
With
Thyself our bosom fill:
Blessed
Jesus,
Thou
hast loved us—love us still.
H.
F. Lyle