Psalms 23:1-6  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  (2)  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  (3)  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  (4)  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  (5)  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  (6)  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.<br /><br />The first people the angels announced Christ's birth to were shepherds. Our Lord Jesus was a descendant from a long line of shepherds, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David.<br /><br />Christ is the Good Shepherd - our soul shepherd. <br /><br />Sheep do not know where to find good pasture, water, or shelter. Only the shepherd knows where all the needs of his flock can be met. So he calls to them, and they follow him, to food, drink, and protection. This is what a relationship with Jesus looks like. John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:<br /><br />Shepherds must lead their flocks great distances to keep them fed. Matthew 11:28 , Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<br /><br />Jesus taught of the food for the soul - every word that comes from the mouth of God.<br /><br />The still waters are a biblical me metaphor of the Holy Spirit. The Lord called the Holy Spirit living water, and he promised anyone who drank of it that they would live forever. He is the only one that can give it.<br /><br />Sheep are completely helpless against their enemies. The Bible describes wolves as being savage and ferocious. The only thing that protects sheep from wolves is the presence of a human shepherd. John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy, I come that they might have life and they might have it more abundantly. Jesus Our Shepherd protects us from evil.<br /><br />Psalms 119:176  I have gone astray like a lost sheep... Isaiah 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.<br /><br />A lost sheep, without a shepherd, is food for all the wild animals, Ezekiel 34:5.<br /><br /> And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.<br /><br />The Bible tells us that sin is choosing our own way - rather than following God. Sin is what separates us from God. The penalty of sin is death. A lost soul is helpless - yet the Lord can hear the faint cry of the weak. In his grace and mercy you can know relationship with him and his tender care and love.<br /><br />At the day of judgment, Matthew 25:32, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats ...he shall set the sheep on on his right hand but the goats on the left. Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come Ye blessed of my father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.<br /><br />Jesus said John 10:11, I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.<br /><br />Of Christ we read, 1 Peter 2:24-25  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.  (25)  For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.<br /><br />Do you believe Jesus Christ, when he said, I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives his his life for the sheep?<br /><br />That is what Christ did on the cross. That Good Shepherd sacrificed his life so that we could be forgiven; he rose from the dead, giving us hope beyond the grave. He offers eternal life to anyone who will come. <br /><br />The gentle Saviour stands, with his arms wide open, to accept you, and to receive you.<br /><br />The question is, will you receive him?<br />...<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1undFVpAxgU" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1undFVpAxgU</a>