In verse one of Psalm 23 David recognizes the LORD as being his shepherd. The character of his shepherd is highlighted in the declaration in the proper name title “LORD”. David’s shepherd is Jehovah. The declaration also highlights the condescension of David’s shepherd. Being a shepherd to a flock of sheep was not glamourous work. It was considered to be a menial job often reserved for servants or family members who possessed no real skills. Oh, the condescension of Jehovah that he would reduce himself to becoming a shepherd. Think with me about the condescending love of our Shepherd. Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He is LORD in that he exists independently and sufficiently in and of himself. He will live eternally without the sheep, but the sheep have no hope of surviving a moment without Him. He is the Lord of Lord and the King of all Kings and yet it is not emotionless by which he shepherds the flock. He shepherds the flock with perfect love. David cared for the sheep and would go to great lengths to defend and care for his sheep, but our shepherd loves His sheep so much that He has laid down His life for them. Relax and soak yourself in the love of your Shepherd. Next, think with me about the condescending labor of our Shepherd. Our shepherd is the creator and the sustainer of all things. I often hear people talk about how busy they are. At times, I have reached out to people to help me in time of need only to find them too busy to take time for me. Our shepherd, though busy with caring for and sustaining the entire universe, is never too busy to labor for me and with me in my lived experiences. If you are tired and weak from the burdens of life then call upon Christ. He is the Shepherd of your soul and he will do more than hear you, more than stand at a distance and cheer you on, but he will condescend and get under your load with you and bear it. Finally, think with me about the condescending loyalty of our Shepherd. David said the Lord “is” my Shepherd. David made this proclamation centuries ago, but it is as if the declaration is suspended in time for all believers of all times. In 2025 I can say with David that the Lord is my shepherd. For every moment of my life that I find myself wandering or wounded I can live with the assurance that my Shepherd is watching me and caring for me with compassionate and sovereign loyalty. Our shepherd has made us a promise and sealed it with his own blood that He will never leave us and He will never forsake us. Oh hallelujah, What a Shepherd!!!
Southside Baptist Church 