JEHOVAH-ROHI
Psalm 23:1-6
The name Jehovah-rohi means Jehovah my shepherd. It is that most precious designation of Jehovah which begins the Twenty-third Psalm. This is perhaps one of the best known passages of scripture in the Bible. It is a passage that brings great comfort in troubled times. In times of sorrow, discouragement, and apprehension, perhaps more comfort is gained from this passage than any other. It reveals to us much about God’s character and many of His attributes. It also reveals to us what our relationship and our attitudes should be towards Him. Parents can comfort their children during a storm, Counselors can comfort you during “the storms of life” but you need a God who stills the storm.
Friends can hold your hands when you are sick, but you need a God who defeated the grave. Philosophers can debate the meaning of life, but you need a Jehovah who not only gives life but gives it in abundance. “The Lord is MY Shepherd”! The relationship with God is a personal one. It means I belong to Him – He bought me 1 Cor. 7:23. This simple statement declares that you are special, worthy to be one of His. This thought should stir your spirit. It is no accident that the image of sheep is found throughout the Bible. Sheep depend on their master. Without him they will die. With a good shepherd, they not only live, they flourish! And Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He loves us, He cares for us. He died for us as a Good Shepherd would Jn. 10:14-15.
However, the tragic truth is that though many people claim that Jesus is their Shepherd, they have not come under His direction. Sheep must follow the shepherd in order to live. It seems that many feel that as long as they claim that they love Jesus, the Good Shepherd, they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without developing a very close relationship with Him.
You have to follow the Shepherd. This is a most sobering thought and it ought to make us evaluate our lives, our hearts, our motives, our relationship with Jehovah-rohi. Do I really belong to Him? Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership? Do I sense deep contentment because I am under His direction? Do I know rest and have peace because I belong to Him? The word “shepherd” carries with it thoughts of tenderness, security and provision; yet it means nothing if I can’t say “The Lord is my Shepherd”.
PRAYER: Lord help me to relate with you as my Shepherd
