Shepherd

Psalm 23 is one of the most popular passages in the entire Bible. We see it on bookmarks, hear it read in public, and our children memorize it as part of Bible classes. It is not hard to understand the power of this passage. Here the psalmist writes of a Shepherd that leads and cares for His sheep. It is a picture of love and mercy, grace and relationship. There is no mistaking the point that God leads His people and cares for them. Today is Easter, and we are reminded of an empty tomb. The psalmist writes, “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.” With these words, we are reminded that Jesus goes before us and leads us, no matter where we may travel. Even when we walk through death, Jesus has gone before and comes through victorious. As our Shepherd, He will walk with us no matter what we face. The story of the Bible is the story of a God who walks alongside His people. A God who holds them up, encourages them, sustains them, and empowers them. Embedding the Bible helps us to see that God continues to shepherd His people.