“The Leading of the Shepherd”

The bible exhorts us “to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  Mercy and grace has brought us another year - 2022!

For those of us that are fortunate enough to go into another year, I pray that we seek wisdom, not just any wisdom but wisdom that comes from knowing and following the LORD God through His word and His Son - Jesus - “for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The covenant God of the Bible - the LORD God, desires us to know Him in a personal way.  Not just as Savior and Lord, but as “shepherd.”  Because we have this personal relationship, we listen to His voice (via His word and the Holy Spirit).  Jesus, as our shepherd, leads us to rest (“green pastures,” “still waters”), restoration (“restores my soul” - repentance) and righteousness.  King David, the author of Psalm 23 did not always possess this rest.  He admitted as he cried out in psalm 55, “oh, that I had wings like a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest.”  But David painfully learnt that he could not get away from his pain and hurt by running away - your pain will always meet you there.  Instead, David learnt to follow the leading of the shepherd of his soul, because only He could “make him lie down in green pastures; lead him beside the still waters; restore his soul; lead him to the right path of righteousness” (cf. Psalm 23: 2-3).

Some of you want to run away from 2021.  Some are you may still be running from God.  Some of you may be trying to run away from hurt, pain, disappointments or problems.  God knows getting away or running will not solve your problems - you must face them!  But you do not have to face them alone if you know Jesus as “your” shepherd!  Quit running, listen to the shepherd’s voice and He will give you the rest that our soul longs for!

“Come to Me…I will give you rest…you will find rest for your souls.” - Jesus

Happy New Year!  I pray that you go with Jesus into 2022!

Pastor Rodney