Many times in the Bible the Lord describes Himself as the Good Shepherd, most famously in the words of the beloved 23rd Psalm, which reads as follows: '
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters, He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the shadow of death I shall fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and staff they comfort me. Thou prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, Thou anoinest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. 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 23
It can be very difficult to find our way through life, with all of its twists and turns, uncertainties and temptations, broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams. Yet the Lord assures us that if we trust in Him and follow Him, we will find our way, safely and securely and wonderfully.
Furthermore, our Shepherd loves us so much He even gives His life for us, dying on the cross so our sins can be forgiven and we can inherit eternal life. He tells us:
"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.....I am the Good Shepherd. I kmow My sheep and my sheep know Me - just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father - and I lay down My life for the sheep. John 10:11, 14-15
