A Royal Title for Our LORD
As most Christians, we vividly remember the famous Psalm of David that begins, “The LORD is my shepherd . . .” But in further review this shepherd language depicted by David is one of many references to the shepherd function of our God. Before we begin our trilogy reference, let us first review why God is using such simple language to His people. Few animals are as helpless as sheep. A shepherd had to be courageous to protect his flock from danger and had to be loving and tender for all their needs. The Old Testament (“O. T.”) has multiple references to “Shepherd,” referring to God himself. Listen to Jacob’s blessing on his son Joseph: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm – may he bless these boys . . .” (Gen 48:15). And the next chapter in Genesis continues as Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons. Listen to his words: “. . .because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s God who helps you, because of the Almighty who blesses you with blessings from heaven above . . .” Among God’s names listed here, Shepherd is second only to the Mighty One. Royal, isn’t it?
What does the dictionary say about a shepherd? One dictionary defines it this way: “Someone to guide or direct in a particular direction.” Other synonyms might be usher, steer, herd, lead, escort, guide, marshal, or chaperone. Who was the first shepherd? Well, it dates to creation – and Adam and Eve. Their son Abel was noted for his Christ-like stewardship. God recognized the fragrant sacrifice of his offering. While his life was shortened by the sin of Cain, the offering sacrifice of a simple shepherd cannot be denied. Listen to some other life-like shepherds: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Amos (list not exclusive). Sound familiar? God has continued to use life-like examples of how He works and is present with us. It is not just a human function but a “Royal Title.” We are going to see how future authors define our LORD’s presence with us and His function.
The first of our reference is of course David’s 23rd Psalm. I certainly do not need to repeat it, but David’s psalm reflects who he was and how he related his function to his Lord. The fist line is very important. “The LORD is my shepherd.” Just as he (David) was to shepherd his father’s sheep, so he recognizes how his God has shepherded him and continues to do so. The second line is equally important as he says, “I shall not want.” the verb shall is absolute. It testifies that he has no concern over his needs as God is his protectorate. He, “Lacks nothing.” The remaining language is very shepherd-like. Listen to David’s words: “Makes me . . . leads me . . . guides me . . . comfort me . . . prepare . . . anoint . . .” Impressive! Have you ever thought of these verbs as you recite or read this ancient psalm?
David of course is in the Messianic line and often referred by our LORD. He was a king of kings from a human standpoint over 1,000 years before Christ. His “kingdom” was larger than ever before and flourished . . . but not without controversy. David himself was a humble servant and recognized his sin and need for a Savior (shepherd). He wrote over a third of the psalms in the O. T. Listen to what Halley’s Bible Handbook says about Ps. 23: “May have been written when David was a shepherd boy, watching his father’s flock on the very same field where, 1,000 years later, an angel choir announced the birth of Jesus.” [NOTE: If you go back just one Psalm (22), it references our Lord’s crucifixion as if David had been there?]
Okay, so we have step one in the trilogy. What is the next step? Well, to hold you in suspense, let us look further into David’s reference to God’s divine protection. The Word is rich in examples of God’s divine protection. Even though Adam and Eve fell into sin, God continued to provide divine protection. The most prominent example relates to the Israelites. They entered Sinai and were in physical danger due to the wilderness atmosphere, and the threat of hostile nation’s attacks. God says, “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, that I might carry you on wings of eagles and bring you to myself.” (Exodus 19:4) Later, the psalmist says, “You are my refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Where else do we see shepherds? How about Jesus’ birth! God’s messengers were quick to announce the Messiah’s birth to nearby shepherds. While the lowliest of the human tradition, they are prominent in God’s plan. The angelic choir sang, “Glory to God in the highest . . .” (Luke 2:14) The Lord watches over the way of the righteous (Ps 1:6) and the LORD watches over you. . . He is your shade at your right hand . . . and He will watch over your life.” (Psalm 121:5-7, paraphrased) Does that sound like shepherd language?
Well, it is on to step two in the trilogy. David said, “The LORD is my shepherd.” John, the apostle, reminds you and me of the “the GOOD shepherd.” (emphasis added) John, one of Jesus’ favorite disciples, has gotten it! He declares Jesus as the shepherd of humanity (John 10). He might have reflected on David’s O.T. psalm of the shepherd concept! Yes, anyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior is a sheep in His pen!! John goes on to remind us that the Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John also makes it clear that this Shepherd, Jesus, is not only a shepherd for the Israelites but also the Gentiles (i.e. not of this pen). That is comforting knowing that whoever enters His pen has divine protection of The Shepherd!
In this John 10, Jesus reminds us that He has come to bring life . . . and in abundance! Not as a thief who enters the sheep pen to steal, kill, or destroy. Now we see John adding the adjective “good” to shepherd – a word that amplifies the desirable purpose of a shepherd.
The last step in this trilogy is located in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This book is often referred to as the “Book of Superiority.” Jesus is compared to various individuals and their actions and in every case, Jesus’ action was far superior. In the author’s language, he describes how Jesus is superior to the O. T. priests. Jesus’ final sacrifice on Calvary was good forever versus having to be repeated continually. In his closing chapter, the author gives us one of the New Testament (“N. T.”) most famous doxologies. A doxology is an expression of praise to God. Listen! “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20ff)
If you think about the phrasing of this doxology, the “great” Shepherd, is equipping His saints to be shepherd-like in leading others to the knowledge of their Lord and Savior!
Well, the trilogy is complete. From David’s shepherd . . . to John’s Good Shepherd . . . to Hebrews’ Great Shepherd. Royalty indeed from beginning to end.
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
