In the popular Psalms 23, David refers to the Lord as his shepherd. By revelation, Jesus is the Good Shepherd that David talks about in Psalms 23 (John 10:11). If the Lord is not your shepherd you're in trouble. This is because we are living in a critical time economically and at such, the little resources we have cannot always meet all our needs:
The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good. Even if I walk through a valley as dark as the grave, I will not be afraid of any danger, because you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepared a meal for me in front of my enemies. You welcomed me as an honored guest. My cup is full and spilling over. Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life and I will live in the Lord’s house a long, long time (ERV, Psalms 23).Arguably, there are different kinds of shepherds but only the Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He gave His life for His sheep. Logically, if He could do that, is there anything material thing that He will hold back from His sheep? Of course, the answer is "No". So, like David, you can boldly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall lack nothing".
Sadly enough, not everyone who claims to be a sheep is actually a sheep. According to Jesus' definition of a sheep, a sheep hears the voice of the shepherd and follows him (John 10:16). It is a shame that many believers don't know Jesus as the Good Shepherd. If Jesus is your Shepherd, you should hear His voice and follow Him. To follow Him is to obey Him. It is not enough for you to chant "The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want"; you must strive to hear His voice and follow Him.
Prophetic Word: "As long as your life is attached to a purpose in God, the devil cannot get you."
*This message was preached by Pastor Israel on October 23, 2005.
