Day 16

Shepherd

from the reading plan


Psalm 23:1-6, Ezekiel 34:11-16, John 10:11-18, Hebrews 13:20-21, 1 Peter 2:22-25


In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.

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Shepherd

Ro’i (Hebrew), Ro’eh (Hebrew), Poimen (Greek)

Description

In Psalm 23, David writes of the Lord as a shepherd: He leads His sheep to calm pasture to eat, He leads them to water to drink, He keeps them on the right path, and He uses His rod to and staff to protect them. In John 10, Jesus calls Himself “the Good Shepherd.” He outlines His similar responsibilities: He lays down His life to protect His sheep, He gathers His sheep, and He speaks over His sheep. When He takes the name “Shepherd,” it doesn’t just reveal His role as our protective, sacrificial caretaker, it also reveals our role to remain loyal and dependent upon Him.

Emphasis

God as our provider and caretaker

Reflection

What does this name teach me about God?

Post Comments (8)

8 thoughts on "Shepherd"

  1. Tim Bowditch says:

    There are countless passages in scripture to reference our comparison to sheep. We’re really dumb. We need a shepherd.

  2. Greg says:

    I like being self sufficient so it’s hard for me to imagine someone else taking care of me or helping me. But reexamining my life after gaining the knowledge of what God’s done for me shows me he’s cared for me for all my life. I still struggle with the thought of being taken care of but with God, as I grow in faith and knowledge, it’s a bit easier.

  3. Ryan Orndorff says:

    God is our ultimate provider. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Gathers us to teach and show his calling for us. He is our Shepard.

  4. Joshua H. says:

    God is a shepherd that provides for us in good and bad times.

  5. Kevin says:

    Day 16: I am reminded of the story where the shepherd goes after the one lost sheep and leaves the group of 99. God cares so deeply for you and me. The most intimate relationship we will ever experience. He pursues us, guides us, and chases after us even when we are straying away. So stoked for us as men to be able to carry this privilege in a relationship. The pursuit of a woman will be never ending just like Gods pursuit of us. Love y’all. ⚒

  6. Ryan Miller says:

    I was struck by the truth that “His rod and staff COMFORT me.” I don’t know much about shepherding but I feel like the rod and staff sometime needs to be used to push or pull the sheep back on course or to discipline them at times. I don’t always trust God as a good Shepherd enough to call his discipline and redirection “comfort”.

  7. Patrick says:

    It’s odd that I’ve never considered myself a sheep, and if I’ve ever heard a pastor refer to us as sheep it has been in the negative – sheep are dumb, foolish, easily-frightened and weak. Of course that was to highlight our neediness on Christ and our propensity to wander and do dumb things. But to consider myself a sheep in the positive sense of my duty to follow my Shepherd, it’s novel to me. There is positivity in my relationship to Christ; that I know Him, His voice, and He knows me. He cares for me and I depend on Him and trust Him. He is safety and refuge for me in a world I don’t understand. He protects me and cares for me. The life of the sheep is contentment because they have everything they need and are assured of the love of the Shepherd.

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