It is my privilege to post one of our resident’s book reviews and how it impacted her life positively. Her identity will remain confidential yet we wanted to share with you what she gained:
“Through reading, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I learned a lot about my relationship with my Shepherd, Manager and Owner.
In the book, the author compares us to sheep because of our similar mass minds, timidity and fear, stubbornness and stupidity and perverse habits. He also, however, speaks to how sheep are the special objects of our affection and attention to shepherds. A shepherd is a manager and owner of sheep who brings comfort, contentment, rest, safety, security and gentle loving care. He is dedicated to caring for his flock 24/7 if necessary.
The author uses this shepherd/sheep relationship to speak to the relationship we have with the Lord, our Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd chooses us as the objects of His affection. He chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us his own and delights in caring for us. He lays Himself out continually for us, sparing no pain. He loves us for our own sake and His own pleasure. He provides safety and release from anxieties and is always attentive, quick and ready to come to our rescue. He is tender and patient with us despite our stubbornness and sin.
After reading this book, I now see that the Lord being my Good Shepherd is a beautiful thing. I can trust and depend on Him as He is always present and attentive to my needs. I can rest knowing that He delights in me and finds pleasure in caring for me. He is never indifferent to my well-being; He always has my best interests in mind. He was gracious in laying down His life for me and sparing Himself no pain. He rescued me and remains tender, loving and patient as I learn and grow. He is a good shepherd, and I am thankful to be one of His sheep.”
I enjoyed reading this resident’s blog because the thoughts are on the Shepherd and how God is our Shepherd, caring for us. Psalm 23 states:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Since I am not a sheep farmer, a book like the one reviewed above enables me to have insight into the heart of God who alone is the perfect Shepherd of our souls. I strongly recommend this book as a resource to help you understand better what the Word of God means when it refers to us as sheep and God the Father as our Shepherd. Read it today!
-Pastor Mark Shaw (recognizing my need for daily shepherding from Jesus, His body – the local church – and the Word of God)