“The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)

What kind of love takes one to a cross? What relationship is best illustrated in the giving up of one’s life for another? Jesus said that there was no greater love than this kind of love (John 15:13).  It is the love that God has for us.

Jesus painted a beautiful picture of this relationship when He described Himself as the Good Shepherd.

“I am the Good Shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”                      (John 10:11)

We do not normally associate the images of the Shepherd with the images of the cross but these are inseparable in our faith.  The Cross of Christ is the sacrifice of the Good Shepherd.  It is necessary.  It was King David who gave us a description of that Shepherd which has given comfort and strength to God’s people for thousands of years…Psalm 23.  There has never been more wonderful words written to describe God’s love for us and there has never been a greater act than the cross to demonstrate it.

Therefore, this Lenten Season, I want to challenge you to walk with me through this Psalm and meditate on it’s words in light of the Cross where the Good Shepherd laid down His life for His sheep.  Let’s read through the Psalm each day.  Like a daily vitamin take it in and may it refresh you and give you new perspective on the Cross.

Start Today!

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me besides the quiet waters, He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  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.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”