THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

Jehovah Rohi “The Lord is my shepherd” was the focus of the ongoing series Above Every
Name. Pastor Mark educated us on Psalm 23. He spoke of the characteristics of our good
shepherd by laying out the context of how biblical shepherds operated almost 3,000 years ago
during King David’s time.
The seven attributes of responsible shepherding were marking your flocks’ ears with a distinct
shape, utilizing unique songs or calls that helped your sheep recognize your voice, leading from
the front, carrying both a rod and a staff, acting as a gate while your charges slept, physically
hindering your lambs to deter negative behavior, and schlepping any injured members of the
fold as a yoke. The good shepherd guided those entrusted to his care to safety, where they can
be refreshed by walking the right path. He protected them from evil, ensuring security among
the onslaught of predators. The shepherd’s role was to know, love, guard, and sacrifice
themselves for their flock.
“The Lord is my shepherd,” Pastor Mark focused on the crucial nuances of Psalm 23’s
language. It’s not a lord but The Lord. He is, defining his continued presence in the eternity of
past, present, and future. My, revealing our personal connection. Shepherd is the metaphor for
his role in our lives.
I walked out of our church, fully understanding how Jesus is our good shepherd, but pondering
our qualities as his flock. Are we good sheep? Do we bear His mark where others would
recognize us as His? Do we answer His call? Do we follow His lead? Do we require the use of
the rod or the staff? Do we recognize Him as our gate of protection? Do we force Him to break
our leg, not to stray, and correct our behavior? Are we cognizant of when He’s carrying us? Are
we following the righteous path to green pastures and still waters?
I pray this week that we all have Jehovah Roli on our hearts, and follow our good shepherd’s
lead.