"I am the good shepherd !"

Sunday 2 May 2021

“I am the good shepherd !"

The Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall not want. He makes me rest […] He directs me […] He restores my soul […] Psalm 23: 1-3

This is how Jesus presents himself in chapter 10 of the Gospel according to John. What a precious statement for those who believe !

The shepherd and his flock in the green pastures have always been a symbol of peace, security and prosperity. We often find this image in the scriptures. From Abel, the first shepherd, to the shepherds of Bethlehem to whom God announces the birth of the Savior, we have the story of a multitude of shepherds and shepherds.

Do you know that of David, the young shepherd of Bethlehem ? He knew how to take care of his flock, not fearing either the lion's claw or the bear's paw (1 Samuel 17.34-37). God chooses him as head of his people. David became the king and the shepherd of Israel. As he had loved his sheep, he will love and defend his people. In his famous Psalm 23, we find a triple secret :

- That of a happy life : I will not miss anything.

- That of a happy death : When I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no harm, for you are with me, your staff and your staff reassure me.

- Finally, that of a happy eternity : I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the True Shepherd, gave his life for his sheep to give them a happy life, a happy death, and a happy eternity.

Are you a sheep of his flock ?

Francis Bailet

__________________

Proposed reading : Psalm 23.

Source (Live Today)