March 15, 2004



What do you see? (part six)

“And seeing the multitudes… like sheep without a shepherd .“
(Matt 9:36)

Let’s think for a moment about Psalms 23. This short chapter is a great song of confidence. Because we know that the Lord is our Shepherd, we have great confidence to face anything that may come to us in life….even death!

Look at what it says about our Shepherd:
· He provides for us (leads us to green pastures and still waters).
· He guides us (into the paths of righteousness).
· He refreshes and heals us (He restores our souls).
· He will never leave us (we fear no evil because He is with us).
· He is always working things together for our good (goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life).

That’s how we see the Shepherd and we know how He sees us. This relationship puts a song of confidence in our hearts.

What about those who do not have a Shepherd? Can you hear the sad song that comes from their heart? It must go something like this:

The Shepherd-less Psalm ( based on Psalm 23—in reverse)
I don’t have a shepherd and I am filled with want.
I have no direction; I have no peace; I am so frustrated with the daily things of life and nothing makes sense. I have no rest for my troubled heart.
My soul is being ripped apart and I don’t know where I’m going. Deep down I am really afraid; because I am alone. I don’t like being lonely.
My cup is so empty. My life is so empty…but I am afraid to admit it.
I am convinced that problems and pain will follow me all the days of my life; and then I will die. What will happen to me when I die?

What a sad song that comes from the heart that needs a Shepherd. Do you see why Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw them like “sheep without a shepherd?”

Father, we thank you for loving us and providing for us through Jesus, our Great Shepherd.

Help us to hear the cries of the empty heart that does not have a shepherd. We know that we have the message of love that they need. First, help us see them. Then, let us love them. And ultimately, show us ways to tell them the Good News about the Shepherd Who laid down His life for the sheep.

We pray this prayer in Jesus’ Name, Amen.