The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. -Psalm 23:1 ESV
This is one of the most famous sentences in all of human history. The image of God as a divine shepherd seems to transcend language and culture. Jesus referred to himself as a shepherd. Church leaders throughout the ages have taken on the title. It communicates two important truths. We are sheep and we are in need of a shepherd.
The verses following this one speaks of how the shepherd leads us, comforts us and watches over us. I love the metaphor but understand that, like all metaphors, it presents a simplistic view of the dynamics between sheep and shepherd. The image is most representative of a spiritual shepherd who cares for our soul and leads us by his spirit.
Lead us, O Divine Shepherd, to the place where we do not want for love, joy or peace.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
lead me on.
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