ON THE VANGUARD

JEHOVAH ROHI
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1

The word shepherd means 'one who tends'. We see throughout the Bible that
there were many who tended. We know Jacob was a shepherd. Moses also
served in this capacity. However, I believe the most famous shepherd in the
Bible was probably David. Through training and on hands practice the skills
of the shepherd were built. In the example of David we see this when the bear
and lion attacked David's sheep. His 'tending' skills came into full force (I Sam
17:34-35). Running after each, striking and killing it, David proved the
characteristics of a shepherd. But even with this display and these duties
performed, David cannot be considered the Greatest Shepherd. This title is
reserved for Christ alone.
In John 10:11-13, Jesus is quoted saying that He is the good shepherd. A
comparison is made by Jesus showing that a hired hand will tend to run when
a wolf attacks, whereas the good and committed shepherd will lay down his
life for the sheep. And Matthew 18:12-13 records Jesus' story of the shepherd
who left the ninety-nine sheep in search of the one missing. If the duties of a
shepherd consist of guarding, herding, feeding, and physical care, would it
not be safe to say that Jesus truly is the Great Shepherd?
Perhaps in order to see Him as the Shepherd, we must turn and look at
ourselves as the sheep. Sheep are not considered to be the smartest or
strongest of animals, therefore they show their need for assistance and
protection. Sheep have the tendency to wander, and in wandering can find
themselves in trouble. A sheep needs to be guided to a pasture for feeding.
And try as they might, a sheep cannot dress wounds for itself or others. For
this it relies on the abilities of someone stronger. In all these areas, we as
sheep can see the need for one who is greater.
We all need a shepherd; we all need the Good Shepherd. I Peter 2:25 points
out that we are like sheep who have gone astray. We are prone to wander.
Whether wandering in a search to locate 'greener pasture' or wandering to get
away from the herd, we wander. Yet it stands true that we need a shepherd
who will oversee our soul. We need to be herded back to the flock, and back
into the safe keeping of our shepherd. If we as sheep know the Shepherd's
voice, then we as sheep need to obey our Shepherd and stay within His
protection.
David wrote that it was the LORD who was his shepherd. In Him there was no
want. He led him to where he was able to feed and drink and rest without the
fear of wolves. When he walked through the questionable valleys, his
Shepherd was on the vanguard for his safety and brought him through to a
place where fear no longer troubled him. This same provision made for David
is stretched out to us as well as the Lord's sheep. Therefore, when we allow
ourselves to see our God as Jehovah Rohi and not as an over-protectant
tyrant, then we allow ourselves to also be led to a place of food, water, and
rest.
In contemplating, I am no more than a dumb sheep and the Lord is my
shepherd. I rejoice in the fact that the Good Shepherd left the ninety-nine to
find me, and this results in my attempt to listen and heed His voice. However,
as is the case with every challenge I write concerning, I can only speak for
myself. But are you also a dumb sheep who needs the Lord as your shepherd.
There is no wrong in admitting it, for as we confess our weakness we find His
strength. Is the LORD your Jehovah Rohi? If not, I pray that you would allow
Him to be your Great Shepherd, and join me ON THE VANGUARD!