A JOYFUL NOISE (Week 6)
WE ARE HIS PEOPLE AND THE SHEEP OF HIS PASTURE
Psalm 100:3 [NLT] .... We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
The Psalmist emphasizes our divine origin, reminding us that our very existence is a result of God's creative power and love. We are not random beings or products of chance; we are intentionally and lovingly made by the Creator of the universe.
Genesis 1:27 [NLT] So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
The imagery of sheep and shepherd is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. As sheep, we are depicted as creatures in need of guidance, protection, and provision. Sheep are known for their dependence on the shepherd for their well-being. In the simile of sheep and shepherd we rely entirely on God, our Shepherd, for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Psalm 23 [NLT]: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
As the sheep of His pasture, our trust in the Shepherd is paramount from daily life in Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Our response to God's love and care as our shepherd is one of joyful worship. We are called to live lives of gratitude, constantly acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness. Worship becomes a natural outpouring of our recognition of who God is and what He has done for us.
Psalm 100:4-5 [NLT] Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
It takes some of us a lifetime to learn that Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows exactly what He is doing with us. He understands us perfectly.
O God, whose Son Jesus is the Good Shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice, we may follow where he leads; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
