The Shepherd and MeSample

THE LORD IS WITH ME

David’s life was characterised by peaks of euphoric success and valleys of deep gloom. He was a man well versed with the terrible trials of life and often found himself in distress and danger, fighting for his life. Enemies within and without surrounded him. His own father-in-law Saul, and his son Absalom, plotted to kill him. He was a man who lived as a soldier fighting on the front lines and also as fugitive fleeing into the wilderness. Death for David was always a moment away as it is all of us. Yet David proclaims that he fears no evil for his good Shepherd is with him! The presence of the God of Israel dispels all fear of impending gloom and death, for David knew his life was safe and secure in His hands. 

Jesus told His disciples that they would have trouble in this world. Trials, tribulations, dismay and death are inevitable. But Christ calls us to take heart for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Jesus walked the darkest valley of death on the hill of Calvary where He faced the evil of man’s sinfulness alone. There in the shadow of death, He was brutally cut down that we may indeed one day walk through the valley. Jesus faced our death and ultimately prevailed over death’s cold grip in His resurrection. Death is swallowed up in victory and its sting is no more for them who are in Christ (I Corinthians 15:54-56). Now we have no cause for fear, for the resurrected Lord promises us that He is with us always even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). After all, our Shepherd’s name is Immanuel, meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23)!

The rod was a symbol of authority that was a weapon against predators, and was also used to tenderly count the sheep (Ezekiel 20:37), while the staff was a symbol of care used to catch wayward sheep by the crook and to gently guide the flock. These tools of the profession that provided care for the flock also comforted the sheep for it revealed the shepherd’s presence just as Christ’s presence is sweet solace in our lives.