Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me,“

John 10:11,14

Shepherds played a key role in a society where wealth was often measured in the number of sheep you had. It was often the responsibility of the youngest son (possibly a daughter if there were no sons) – after the elder had ‘graduated’ to helping on the farm or in the family business. The shepherd cared for, provided for, protected, led, and guided the sheep under his (or her) charge. They knew their sheep and the sheep knew them. Music, commands, or a well-placed stone to block their path kept the sheep together and safe. They trusted the shepherd and the shepherd cared for each of them, wanting the best for them and willing to do whatever was needed to keep them safe.

The shepherd wore a tunic and carried a scrip that had his food in it. His equipment included a rod, a staff, a sling, and a flute. The rod was a straight stick with a bulb on the end, sometimes with nails driven into it. This was a weapon (Psalm 23:4). It is never used on the sheep, but upon anything that threatens the sheep. The staff was a long, straight stick with a curved hook on the end of it. It could support the shepherd like a cane. Its hook fit easily around the neck of a sheep that needed firm direction. And the staff could also be used to mark the sheep (with dye on the end of it which was touched to the wool) or to physically direct them. It was for the guidance of the sheep (Micah 7:14). The sling was both an offensive weapon and a guiding tool. A stone could be thrown in front of a sheep, which it would turn to avoid. A stone could also be thrown behind a sheep to encourage it to move faster. It was also an offensive weapon, being able to injure or drive off anything that threatened the sheep (followed up by the rod if they didn’t get the message). It was a multi-purpose tool (1 Samuel 25:29). The dual-piped reed flute was used to entertain the shepherd, soothe the sheep, and pass the time (Zephaniah 3:17).

The sheep had to be provided for. In the spring they grazed near the home/town, but in later months the shepherd had to go looking for pasture. When they went into the hills, temporary folds would need to be constructed to keep the sheep from wandering and putting themselves in danger (Ezekiel 34:14). When no pasture was available, the shepherd himself needed to provide the food (purchased hay, for example). Water also needed to be provided. Streams will still pools were ideal, since sheep don’t like drinking from rushing water (Psalm 23:2). If streams were not available, wells needed to be used (Genesis 29:7-10). The sheep had total trust that their every need would be taken care of by the shepherd who watched over them, guided them, corrected them, searched for them, protected them, and provided for them.

This is who Jesus is. He is our GOOD shepherd. Adonai did not start the whole sheep/shepherd analogy. It was Jacob (Israel) who first referenced Adonai as his shepherd in Genesis 48:15 “And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, walked, The God who shepherded me all my life unto this day.” David leaned into it and furthered the analogy in Psalm 23. “Yahweh is my shepherd; I will not lack for anything” (Psalm 23:1). throughout scripture from Genesis 48 to Revelation 22, there are a myriad of references to us being sheep and Jesus being the shepherd. Sheep are loyal, resourceful, intelligent, social and socially protective, full of recognition, watchful, and often joining together. But they still rely heavily on the shepherd. No matter how good they might be on their own, they NEED a shepherd for things that they cannot fully provide by themselves. They need the advantages a shepherd brings.

Jesus has leaned into the role of shepherd very deeply. He took it so seriously, He not only guarded us with His life, but He gave up His life to protect us. To give us what we cannot get on our own: salvation. He provides us with still water (John 7:37-39). He provides us with food (John 6:35). He provides us entrance into His covenant with the Father (Mark 14:22-25,Luke 22:18-20,1 Corinthians 11:23-25). He enables us to live in Him, in His rest, in a better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Jesus provides us with a relationship with Himself and with the Father and with Ruach HaKodesh – which is eternal life (John 17:3). He IS our good shepherd. He DOES care for His flock (John 10:28-30; 18:9). We can trust Him.

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: Isaiah 26:3

“You will protect a firm inclination in peace, in peace because he trusts in you” Jesus is trustworthy. No way around it. He speaks nothing but the truth. He fulfills what He speaks. He has never steered anyone wrong. He is our high priest and our faithful mediator. He is upright and righteous. And with open arms, He has offered us rest in Himself. The ability to rely on Him as our Source and so enable ourselves to stop worrying. To stop being anxious. To be able to focus, instead of being drawn every which way by all the shiny. To no longer be depressed. Not by wishful thinking. Not by mantras. Not by throwing words at the universe and expecting it to re-order itself around our desires. Gaining freedom by REPLACING all of those negative things with the rest of Jesus. With reliance on Him. With the confidence we get from our trust in someone who NEVER lets us down, NEVER gets defeated, and ALWAYS comes through for us in the will and favour of the Father. Someone we can align our thinking with. Someone we can cooperate with. Someone worthy of our submission and our worship. Jesus is so much to us. He is such a wonderful saviour, king, friend, bridegroom, and co-heir. What a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8