The Lord is my shepherd . . .
— Psalm 23:1 (NKJ)
I’m reminded of a little lamb innocently following his shepherd, trusting, content and relaxed because the shepherd is there. I picture myself sitting under a tree watching the shepherd feel each sheep to be sure it has no cuts or bruises as he counts them to be sure they are all there. You are one of his sheep. I am one of them. He lovingly sets his eyes on us so that we feel and know his love. We are safe because he cares.
Ra’ah, the Greek root word from which shepherd comes here means ”best friend” and the other word for shepherd in this passage means “lover of the flock”. This shows that the shepherd was not only responsible, but caring as a father and a fierce protector of the sheep. Your Shepherd Jesus is with you today to be your Best Friend and your Fierce Protector. He wants to protect, lead, guide and comfort you.
Christmas is the season to reflect on Jesus coming in the flesh, as a baby, leaving all his divine attributes behind to join you and me on earth. There is no other God who would do that. He loves you. He cares for you. He protects you.
Fear not! He’s got you. Listen and follow him. He wants an intimate relationship with you. Jehovah Rohi, your Shepherd, is here for you.
He will never lead you astray and He will never leave you alone. He is your Good, Kind, Loving, Protecting Shepherd.
Let him be your Jehovah Rohi, Eternal Shepherd.
“He revealed to us His Name.”
Jehovah Shalom