The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 NKJV
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT
Jesus tells us in the Gospels that He is the Good Shepherd. This is one of His most powerful and revealing statements about Himself and our Good Father in Heaven. This is not just some cutesy phrase that is just spoken for poetic purposes.
This powerful identification reveals the heart and character of Jesus. It reveals He cares about us and He cares for us. This tells us that God is interested in our lives not just the salvation of our spirit.
God our Good Father cares about our daily lives. He cares about our morning and our night. He cares about the things that matter to us. Traditional religion says God is only interested in us becoming holy, following His rules, and ensuring we get to heaven.
They only see God as a God, a divine taskmaster whose sole focus is strict adherence to all He says and perfect obediance and submission. Relationship, communion, fellowship, none of that is the main purpose. Being a dutiful servant is all God cares about.
Jesus revealed to us a different view of Heaven. He showed us a Father who cares. He is the Good Shepherd. A good shepherd gives his life for his sheep. He preserves his flock. He protects his flock. He provides for His flock. This is what Jesus demonstrated.
The Good Shepherd protects His flock. He cares for us. What does this protection entail? His protection covers every area of our lives.
The Good Shepherd protects us from false and misleading concepts, views and doctrines. The spirit of error comes to deceive the flock but the Good Shepherd protects His flock by revealing truth.
The Good Shepherd protects us from loss, disappointment and heartache. How can this be so, you may ask, seeing we have all experienced loss and disappointment? The Good Shepherd leads us and guides us.
True in a fallen and fractured creation we do see loss and disappointments. However, even in this fallen world, there are some loss and disappointment that can be avoided. How many times have you wanted to do something but suddenly sensed no peace about this situation, or decision? That is the Good Shepard protecting you from potential loss and disappoinment.
He protects us in this arena of the soulish realm, our mind, will and emotions, through the umpire of peace. When we adhere to this simple leading we find we were protected from a bad business deal, a negative relationship, a unsafe investment.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts…Colossians 3:15
He can also protect us from "the good". This meaning something that isn't bad in and of itself but it's just good and not the best. I experienced this in a potential real estate sale. Had I been able to purchase this home, I would have moved from the place I was living, and would have missed finding this stray dog, that brought so much joy, happiness in my life that no price tag could match.
The Good Shepherd also protects His flock from harm and danger. Psalm 91 shows in detail His protection for His flock.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:9-16 KJV
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and became radiant, and their faces are not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:4-8 MEV
The Good Shepherd protects His flock. There are countless testimonies of people being saved from near death situations, surviving serious auto accidents, protected during times of disaster and war. Don't object pointing to people who lost their lives. Or suffered loss in an accident.
We live in a fallen creation. There are many variable as to why something happened. Poor choices, distracted actions, and life in a fallen world. That said, there are countless times we have been protected and didn't even realize it. That red light that seemed to take forever, kept you from a potential traffic accident down the road.
Begin to see life through the lens of the protection of the Good Shepherd. See Him guiding, leading, directing. He is the Good Shepherd. He protects His flock because He loves His flock and laid down His life for His flock. Taste and see He is always Good.
Image by Uwe Dahlke from Pixabay
