THE SHEPHERD

Time with Jesus - Sunday, 26 August 2012

Hi all,

Today’s meditation is a bit of a hotchpotch. Trying to sustain the theme of the Scriptures was a difficult. I’ve succeeded to a small degree. I’ve called it The Shepherd because we focus largely on Him.

Blessings

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – Sunday, 26 August 2012			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
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	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	THE SHEPHERD
Few men in the Bible have been loved as much and hated as much at the same time as David and Paul. Few men, with the exception of Moses, have had the privilege of writing as much of the Scriptures as these two men. Both men did so under exceptional circumstances. David was the shepherd boy, psalmist/harpist, who became the king. The youngest of Jesse’s eight sons, to him fell the responsibility of taking care of his father’s sheep. His exploits as a shepherd are well known. Perhaps what is not realised is that he learned his job as he went along. A shepherd boy would lead a lonely life. But he didn’t waste time complaining. He spent those early years becoming adept at playing the harp and loving God. No doubt that was where he began his life-long relationship with God, composing psalms and hymns of loving praise. It has been said that his psalms reflect the wonder of his early shepherd boy life along with other experiences as a fugitive from King Saul. A brief look at Psalm 23 reflects his experiences as a shepherd. But verse 5 tells us that it was written after he was anointed King by Samuel. It was also written before he became king so it was while he was a fugitive running from the mad king. It took a man of genius who has a close walk with the Lord to compose this Psalm. In spite of the fact that he had been anointed as the one who would replace Saul and was constantly on the run, he composed this brilliant Psalm. An extraordinary man. On occasions I’ve thought about Paul. He started life as Saul the Pharisee. Like king Saul, he was a Benjamite. When Saul first came across the followers of King Jesus, the “Son of David”, he behaved much like his ancient kinsman had done 1000 years previously. He pursued them with madness akin to that of his namesake pursuing the previous King David. It all seems so familiar. He slaughtered Jesus’ followers with madness akin to King Saul. King Saul had his own a shepherd. Doeg the Edomite. On King Saul’s command, Doeg slaughtered 85 of the priests of Nob in their priestly garments. But King Jesus, the “Son of David” intervened in Saul the Pharisee’s life. Saul was converted. I’ve often wondered if King Saul could have been confronted by the Lord Then I realise he was. It happened at Nob. No Israelite would slaughter all the Priests and animals of those who lived in Nob. Doeg would, could and did; on King Saul’s command. Madness personified! By a shepherd? Jim & Phyllida Strickland			5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalms 23:5 NLT 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him! 9 Fear the LORD, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalms 34:8-10 NLT 22 the LORD'S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited. 23 It is new every morning. His faithfulness is great. Lamentations 3:22-23 GW 5 LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalms 16:5-6 TNIV 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Peter, or the world, or life and death, or the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, 1 Corinthians 3:22 NLT 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV 11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. Philippians 4:11 NIrV 6 A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. 1 Timothy 6:6 GW 19 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19 MSG	O Lord, You are my Shepherd, there’s nothing that I need. Your presence hovers over me and I may safely feed. And where my enemies abound, I know that all is well. For there I am protected, from all the powers of hell. You honour me and care for me; and you anoint my head. My cup is overflowing. You’re blessed My child You said. I have had a sample of the food which You supply, Directly from the fountain which never will run dry. And every time I taste it, I realise it’s You! The flavour is exquisite; You’re good in all You do. In You I can take refuge. With joy, my heart abounds; And yet O Lord, I fear You, for godliness is found, In being in Your presence; and it’s intimidating. For Lord, You are an awesome God; and that is understating, Your glorious omnipotence; Your mercy and Your grace. Even strong young lions occasionally face, The fact that they are hungry. But men who trust in You, Will find they lack for nothing for You are just and true! O Lord this is Your mercy. We haven’t been wiped out. There’s still a few remaining and it’s beyond a doubt, That You will turn the tables. Your faithfulness is great. Unlimited compassion! Not leave us to our fate! You’ve assigned my boundaries. My lot You have made sure;              My portion; my inheritance; my cup; all are secure. And since we know for certain that Lord, You own it all,                                Present, past and future; by you are all on call. In Jesus You have blessed us with everything required.                                Nothing’s been excluded; it’s just what You desired. Not that I lack anything. No matter what is sent,                                     I’m resting in the Master; in Him I am content! So help me to be Godly. You’ve told me it will bring,                                Profit to a people; content with everything. Then Lord, I’ll know for certain, that generosity,                                      Is what You are demanding in Christianity! Help us see the glory that pours to us each day. While we are all living in a proper Christian way! Jim Strickland – Written 26th August 012