WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 2, 2017
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GOD AS OUR SHEPHERD
(GOD walks with us through our fears)
(Psalm 23)
Perhaps
there is no more endearing image of JESUS in all of Scripture, than the one HE presents of HIMSELF as the “Good Shepherd” in John chapter
10. The imagery of the Good Shepherd is forever woven in the minds
and hearts of all who believe in CHRIST JESUS.
In ancient times
shepherding was looked upon as an unpleasant and humble task, and so it was
usually passed on to the youngest member of the family (the person who couldn’t
reject it), or as it was, to the most humble position in the family. GOD used
the idea of this humble position to show us the humility of JESUS our LORD as
our great SHEPHERD.
The Bible is rife with
passages that use the analogy of the loving Shepherd as a
provider and protector of that which he oversees. He is one who risks his life to seek and save, even that one lost or
straying sheep, who may have separated itself from his
beloved flock.
The leaders of the
Christian church can also be likened to the good Shepherd, and the members of their congregation, can be likened to the flock. It is the duty
of the pastor to spiritually lead, and feed
his flock with the nourishing food of the Word of GOD, and he must do so, willingly and eagerly, without constraints, and not
for the love of money, nor, for the power
that he has obtained due to his position. He must lead by example at all times,
and his behavior must paint a picture of the patience and love
of GOD, our LORD and SAVIOR, through JESUS
CHRIST.
In the Latin Vulgate,
the word Jerome uses for “Pastor” is “Shepherd” in Ephesians 4:11. It describes the function of one in such a position in the Church
of GOD. It is the duty of each member of the
flock, to come into a personal relationship with the SHEPHERD, because of their continued need for HIS love, guidance,
and protection. They should always be able to discern HIS
voice from all other voices, and also be able to
distinguish that which is representative of HIS work.
The only way, to achieve
that kind of relationship with GOD, is by familiarizing oneself with the SHEPHERD, JESUS CHRIST, WHO is “The Word”. Only then can one
ultimately realize the purpose for which he or she has came into the world, and
that is, of course, to serve and obey GOD.
GOD’s voice can only be heard, through a leader who has patterned his
life after the examples of service that
were shown to us by JESUS CHRIST during HIS three-year ministry. JESUS’ impeccable standards will manifest themselves
through anyone who truly represents HIS cause. There
is no way to mistaken HIS unique and lofty standards for those of any “false representatives” that may have came down
the pike, either before, or since HIS time.
One only needs to know JESUS the SHEPHERD, WHO is the
real deal, in order to discern the fakes, who misrepresent, in the name of the
LORD.
Here in Psalm 23, the
most famous Psalm in all of Scripture, King David celebrates the security that
one can find only through GOD’s protection. We are all like sheep in the eyes
of GOD, and like sheep who can’t survive in the wild without the care and
protection of a shepherd, so too, we can’t survive in the world, which is
dominated by satan, without GOD as our provider, protector, and guide (Vs.1-4).
In verses 5-6, David
presents us with the imagery of a guest in the house of the most generous owner
imaginable. In those days, good hospitality was greatly valued, and the needs
of the guest were eagerly provided for. The host gladly cared for his guest and
made them feel satisfied, safe, and comfortable.
GOD HIMSELF sets a table
before us in the mist of the surrounding dangers and atmosphere of this world,
and HE treats us with HIS generosity and kindness whenever we decide to come out
of the world, and into HIS glorious house, as HIS guests. And despite our
disobedience and offenses against HIM while we are living for world, HE shows
us mercy, kindness, and generosity, and HE is willing to allow us to take up
permanent residency with HIM, all the remaining days of our lives.
Just as every good
shepherd knows his sheep, every good sheep should come to know his shepherd’s voice. Such knowledge can mean the difference
between life and death, in many cases.
It can also be the difference between danger and safety, starvation and nourishment, or, shelter and homelessness.
To be alone in this world,
and have no hope of anything beyond this world, is a frightening thought. We as Christians, no longer have to
entertain, or envision that thought. And so, we should
be forever thankful to our “GOOD SHEPHERD”, our
LORD
and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, for making the wonderful gift of Eternal Life in GOD’s own glorious presence a reality, by way of HIS
vicarious sacrifice for us, on the cross at Golgotha (Calvary Hill).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
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