Psalm 23 is an oft quoted passage. It highlights the customary care God practices for His people. Provision, protection and direction are the dominant themes. These covenant benefits are enjoyed while one’s proximity is within the Shepherd’s guardianship. Once outside the boundaries of His fold, His protective grace may be relegated to heal, not deliver.
1Pet 2:24-25 underscores the necessity of maintaining our nearness to the flock. Peter says, “and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.”
Separation from God distanced us from His protective grace. We near-sighted sheep were often attacked by wolves, fell into deep gullies and got stuck in mires. Yet upon our return to God, we found healing, restoration and the promise of the Shepherd’s provision, protection and direction.
God is good. Therefore, praise Him for His Shepherding without which we could not live right or live well…
