Jesus Is The Good Shepherd In Times Of Crisis
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord, help us to rely on you as the shepherd of our lives. Amen
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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 your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:1-6 NIV
REFLECT:
This Psalm has probably comforted more people in times of crisis than most any other Scripture in the Bible. Philip Keller in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, discusses what the shepherd must do to protect his sheep. Sheep are one of the most defenseless and least self-directed of our domesticated animals. The shepherd guides the sheep to green pastures, or they will overeat and destroy one pasture. He must dam up a stream so the water will be still, and they can drink without drowning. Predators were constantly a threat. David, in this beloved Psalm understands the important role of the shepherd in protecting his sheep in times of crises and describes his responsibility.
Jesus, too, understood the role of the shepherd in protecting his flock when he stated in John 10:11-12, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”
APPLY:
This Presidential Prayer Team devotional sums up how we are to apply the focus Scripture. “You might feel as if a wolf were threatening your life today, and you certainly see the snarling evil of the world, but safety will not be found in more money or government programs. God longs for scattered hearts to run to Him for shelter. Yet, like fearful sheep, many will run from their Rescuer. Pray for world leaders and decision-makers in America to seek God’s leading in their own hearts before making critical decisions. Ask that many will find and follow the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help us to allow you to shepherd us through the crises in our lives. Amen