Everyone’s Favorite Psalm

Everyone’s Favorite Psalm

Discovering Grace Article

-An End Times Look at the Good Shepherd

“Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” – Psalm 23 AMPC

If you endeavor to read this Psalm often, you will find it difficult to live in any kind of doubt or unbelief, as it compels you to consider the heart of the Great Shepherd towards His sheep. Go ahead...read it again! The Amplified Classic version really brings out the meaning of this Psalm, and everything it promises is clearly why this is “Everyone’s Favorite Psalm.”

I suspect, that as David reflected upon all of the things that he did to care for his father’s sheep as a young lad, there must have come a day when he received an incredible revelation that this was how the Lord took care of him. What an awesome thought this must have been for a simple shepherd boy. To be able to see the Lord caring for him in the same way he cared for his father’s sheep, must have been comforting and reassuring, to say the least. So today, as we meditate in the Word of God, we are going to look deeply at the Shepherd in order to discover that same confidence and trust that David had, and why it made David the amazing under-shepherd that he was.

I think I would have loved to have met this very committed and responsible young man. In order for David to associate how the Lord took such particular and detailed care of him as a sheep in His fold, he must have been a very diligent, caring, and vigilant shepherd boy, himself. In my own mind, I try to imagine what it must have been like, tending sheep out in a hot, dry climate. It could not have been easy. You see, I know for myself, I don’t do so well in the heat. However, a shepherd, in this unpleasant environment, would take special care to find a place where there was an abundant supply of food, as well as a place of rest and refreshment for the sheep. A shepherd was always aware of each member of the flock, as each individual animal was precious and valuable. This is why it was imperative to keep them individually safe from dangers out in the terrain, and also to protect them individually from dangerous predators. This was a full time job on high alert! In fact, when David volunteered to fight the Philistine giant Goliath on behalf of Israel, he references some key experiences he had, while tending his father’s sheep. Let’s follow this story…

“And David said to Saul, “May no one’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine!”

But Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight him; for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior since his youth.”

But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a sheep from the flock,

I went out after it and attacked it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth; and when it rose up against me, I grabbed it by its mane and struck it and killed it.

Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.”

And David said, “The Lord who saved me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, He will save me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:32-37 NASB

Wow, this was no ordinary shepherd boy. This was a warrior shepherd! If I were a sheep, I would want to be in this shepherds flock. This shepherd was not going to lose even one of his sheep to a predator. Not only did he go after that which was being stolen, but he made certain that the enemy would never rise up again to harm his precious flock. He clearly was willing to give up his own life to save and protect his father’s sheep. And somehow, through his experiences protecting the flock, we can see from the last verse, that David had spiritual and natural confidence that the One who had always been his Shepherd, would also protect and deliver him from any defiant enemy that came against him or against the children of Israel. He believed in the Lord, his Shepherd, Who made certain that he never lacked, Who led him and took care of his natural needs, while keeping him in peace and protected through every dangerous situation. David had a supernatural fearlessness, because he trusted in his very own protective Shepherd. This same confidence is meant for all of us. We are meant to live confidently cared for. How do we know what our Shepherd intends to do to provide for us and keep us protected? We read, meditate, and believe what David believed in Psalm 23. And yet, the Scriptures go so much deeper and reveal even more than that.

We discover from the Scriptures, that this Psalm (as well as the story in 1 Samuel 17) was a look through the prophetic window into what the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would do for His sheep. We know this, because in the New Testament, in John chapter 10, we learn that Jesus is the One who fulfills this prophesy in Psalm 23. It is one of the great “I AM” statements found in the book of John, where Jesus identifies Himself as the “I AM” from the Old Testament. Jesus is actually the Good Shepherd who lays His life down for the sheep. Yes, Jesus is David’s Shepherd, as spoken of in Psalm 23, and John 10:11 proves it…

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.” – John 10:11 AMP

This is what we might expect from a good shepherd. And, it is exactly what David did when he went after the lion and the bear. He took no concern for his own life, but was willing to lay it all down to save and protect his father’s sheep. This is what the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, has done for each one of His Father’s sheep. Yes, David took risks to protect the flock, but Jesus actually gave up His own life and died to protect His sheep from all dangerous predators. Not only that, but as the risen Lord, He continues to provide for, protect and defend the precious sheep in His fold.

This begs a question… From what dangerous predators were we saved? What was so dangerous to the sheep that would compel Jesus to give up His life? The Bible tells us that Jesus went to the cross to destroy sin, sickness, and death, the most dangerous predators to every human born in sin. Having taken sin’s punishment and judgment in His own body, and putting the nature of it out of the way by His death on that cross, those who would believe in His death, burial and resurrection would be able to receive the free gift of His own righteous nature through their faith in Him. Now, with God’s judgment and condemnation against sin satisfied in the sacrifice of His own Son on the cross, Satan (who is our true enemy) and his demons are rendered defeated and ineffective in the life of every born again believer. (Colossians 2:15) Satan has always been and still wishes to be, our predator. (1 Peter 5:8)

So, from what does Jesus, our Shepherd, continue to protect us from, now? For the answers, we will need to start at John, chapter 9, where Jesus had just healed a man who had been born blind. After being interrogated by the religious leaders (the Pharisees), this freshly healed man had been thrown out of the synagogue. Yes, this man had been kicked out of his home church for receiving a miracle, and for believing in Jesus, as the prophesied Messiah. I want you to notice, as we read this story, that Jesus knew exactly what had happened and sought this man out. Jesus misses nothing as it involves His sheep. Remember now, we are discovering Who the Great Shepherd really is, and what He does. Let’s follow the story…

“Jesus heard that they had put him out [of the synagogue], and finding him, He asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

He answered, “Who is He, Sir? Tell me so that I may believe in Him.”

Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and [in fact] He is the one who is talking with you.”

And he said, “Lord, I believe [in You and Your word]!” And he worshiped Him [with reverence and awe].” – John 9:35-38 AMP

This is fascinating! Jesus had not only heard that the man whom He healed had been excommunicated, but He purposely seeks him out to speak with him again. Look, if you have ever been hurt in a church or a religious organization, Jesus is absolutely aware of it, and He is seeking you out to bring comfort and rest to your heart. He wants to bring you to a higher revelation of Him, and He will show Himself to you in very personal ways. That is the result of being in relationship with Him, not just participating in a religion. This man was given a special revelation of Jesus, and you will be given one too!

As it turns out, I think this is one of the few times that the Scriptures record that Jesus went back to someone He had healed, to give additional ministry to them. I’m sure Jesus did this a lot, as people followed Him everywhere, but here we have a recorded example of how important this sheep was to Jesus. Every sheep is important to Jesus, and as the Good Shepherd, He will heal you when you are hurt.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].” – Psalm 147:3 AMP

It is absolutely possible, that this man may have been rattled a bit after having been dragged before the religious leaders, right after being miraculously healed and finally being able to function in life, seeing with his own two eyes for the very first time. He may have suffered a bit of fear and intimidation, and certainly loss, due to the fact that his own parents had abandoned him in front all the people, because they were afraid of being excommunicated, as well. It is difficult to remain in faith and enjoy your miracle, when you are left alone, suspected of lying about your miracle, accused of being a sinner, and then being put out of the fellowship. Jesus knows and understands this! So, here we witness Jesus intentionally searching for this man to encourage him to make a confession of his faith in the Messiah who healed him. It was important for him to continue to confess what he believed. I encourage you to check out the whole story in John, chapter 9.

What happens next is awesome! Jesus reveals Himself to the man that He had healed, and let’s him look into His face with his freshly healed eyes. Remember, this man had been blind from birth and had never seen anyone up close and personal. The man simply wanted to see the Messiah who healed him, and he did. What a special encounter! Very soon, I hope to see the same Messiah, the One who is still actively healing today through His body, the Church. Our Wonderful Shepherd will soon be appearing in the clouds to all who have never seen Him personally, yet have believed in Him. He is about to call all of His sheep home to the place He has prepared for us. (John 14:2-3) I can’t wait! I sincerely hope you have made the Lord your Shepherd through faith in Him, so you will be going with the rest of the sheep to our heavenly dwelling.

Now, as we read the next part in John 9, I want you to see how Jesus elevated this mans faith. However, pay careful attention to who else is listening to this conversation, because it sets the stage for what Jesus begins to teach in John, chapter 10.

“Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment [to separate those who believe in Me from those who reject Me—to declare judgment on those who choose to be separated from God], so that the sightless would see, and those who see would become blind.”

Some Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “Are we also blind?”

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind [to spiritual things], you would have no sin [and would not be blamed for your unbelief]; but since you claim to have [spiritual] sight, [you have no excuse so] your sin and guilt remain.” – John 9:39-41 AMP

So, this is very important to notice… Jesus validates the healed man’s faith as being one who actually sees, both physically and spiritually. But in the listening crowd, there were Pharisees (or the religious leaders), and the unbelieving in his community, who were overhearing Jesus’ conversation with this man who had been healed of life-long blindness. These are the ones that Jesus convicts of being spiritually blind. Why is this important? It is important, because Jesus launches off into telling a parable, of sorts, about a sheepfold, thieves and robbers, hirelings and wolves, and the Great Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. It is important, because it begins to reveal to us just who the predators might be. When you pay attention to who Jesus is addressing, you begin to discover so much more about what Jesus is revealing with this somewhat familiar parable or illustration. Let’s go on…

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up from some other place [on the stone wall], that one is a thief and a robber.” – John 10:1 AMP

As Jesus tells this story, His listeners know exactly what He is talking about, because it is a big part of their culture. However, most of us are completely unaware of the imagery here, because most of us have never taken care of sheep. My neighbor has a sheep and some goats, but his experience is nothing like the Middle East practice of tending sheep in that time period. So, what can we learn?

Well, Jesus is talking about the sheepfold. It was a place where shepherds brought their sheep at night, to keep them protected. Sometimes it was a community place, where many shepherds may have placed their sheep all together. Out in the fields, though, a shepherd may have a smaller pen. Either way, they were often created using rocks to form a stone wall for the sheep to be protected behind, but there was only one way in, or one door. There would be a doorkeeper, similar to a security guard, or the shepherd would sit there himself, and sleep in front of the narrow door, to guard against any predators. There was only one way in or out. So, the sheepfold was supposed to be a place of safety.

Let’s remember that the people that Jesus addresses His story to had just previously referred to Him as a sinner, a devil, and not a man of God. So, Jesus begins His story by first recognizing thieves and robbers, and how they function. They do not come through the designated door. They will try to come in by some other way; any other way than the only door allowed. So, if they avoid or bypass the only door into the sheepfold, they are considered a thief or a robber. They are not the actual shepherd, obviously. In fact, they have one purpose in mind.

“But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep [the protector and provider].

The doorkeeper opens [the gate] for this man, and the sheep hear his voice and pay attention to it. And [knowing that they listen] he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out [to pasture].

When he has brought all his own sheep outside, he walks on ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice and recognize his call.

They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” – John 10:2-5 AMP

So, here we have a bunch of characters introduced: a shepherd, a doorkeeper, the sheep, and the stranger (referring to the thieves and robbers). Later, Jesus will introduce two more characters, the hireling and the wolf. Notice that this shepherd enters by the designated door and is contrasted by those that try to find some other way into the sheepfold. Even the doorkeeper recognizes the shepherd and allows him in. The sheep recognize this particular shepherd’s voice and respond to the calling of their name.

There are some fascinating facts about sheep… they are mostly followers and completely helpless on their own. They tend to wander and get lost. They often follow one another and end up in places that they ought not be. I’ve heard it described this way, if one jumps off a cliff, the others will follow. They are fearful creatures and are spooked by everything. They won’t even hydrate themselves, if the water is running too fast in a stream. Without a shepherd to watchfully care for them, they are easily injured and become easy prey. This is also why Jesus looked out among the crowds of people, laden with sins, and He called them sheep with no shepherd…

“When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36 AMPC

These sheep were not in His care yet, which indicates that God sees every person as a sheep without a shepherd, until they come into The Good Shepherd’s flock for care. Jesus was compassionate and concerned, because everyone knows what happens to sheep that have no shepherd. These were harassed, distressed, dejected (which means sad or depressed) and helpless. If you have no Shepherd, this is probably what you are experiencing right now. Just hold on and keep reading, your situation can change.

Another amazing fact, is that though sheep are completely helpless and couldn’t make their way to the sheepfold or a good pasture on their own, they have this incredible ability to recognize voice tone, and are able to develop an intimate relationship with their shepherd, such that they will follow him anywhere and will listen to the sound of his voice. When he calls them, they know it and willingly come to him and follow. That is incredible… somebody teach that to my dog and cats!

Notice also, in the passage above, that Jesus tells us that these sheep will not listen to the voice of a stranger, but will actually run from them. This tells me that to truly hear and respond to the voice of a shepherd, you have to be a member of his flock. You have to know your shepherd and be attune to his voice. This is amazing! I hope you are beginning to get some revelation here, but if not, don’t panic. The crowd Jesus was speaking to did not understand at first either…

“Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what He was talking about.” – John 10:6 AMP

It’s okay if you’re not understanding where this is headed, yet. Jesus will continue to explain the meaning of His story with added details. You see, Jesus wants us to understand and learn, otherwise, He would not have used stories to illustrate His spiritual purposes. Let’s continue the story…

“So Jesus said again, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, I am the Door for the sheep [leading to life].

All who came before Me [as false messiahs and self-appointed leaders] are thieves and robbers, but the [true] sheep did not hear them.

I am the Door; anyone who enters through Me will be saved [and will live forever], and will go in and out [freely], and find pasture (spiritual security).” - John 10:7-9 AMP

Now, we come to the “Door.” Remember, that I mentioned before that the sheepfold was a pen made of rocks that formed stone walls. There was only one way in or out. One door...that’s it! If you wanted to come into the sheepfold, you had to go through the only door, which meant you had to go through the shepherd to get in. The only way to get in to the sheepfold of Jesus was to go through Him. He has to lead you to the sheepfold, because you wouldn’t be able to find the entrance on your own, and you come in through Him. Tuck this into your pocket, as we will touch on it more in a moment. Just remember, the only way in is through Him!

Jesus explains to the crowd that there were false teachers, false leaders and false messiahs, who tried to lead the sheep to follow them. Jesus called them thieves and robbers who tried to capture the attention of the flock by coming in through some sneaky way. Look, there is always going to be some voice that tries to lure you away from the true Shepherd. Beware, as this is what false teachers, false prophets, and false messiahs do. This includes those who put themselves before you as some sort of savior; you know, the ones with all the answers that you need to solve all of your problems. They are the ones with the miracle cures, and the ones with the solution you’ve been searching for. Beware, beware, beware! They are thieves and robbers trying to keep you from the real and only Savior. What is their purpose? To steal from you, to kill you, and to destroy you entirely! How do we know this? The next verse tells us clearly...

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” – John 10:10 AMP

So let’s talk… There is a huge contrast here that you must acknowledge. There is death, or there is life! There is destruction, or there is enjoyment and abundance to the full, till it overflows! This sounds a whole lot like a cup that overflows or runs over. I wonder where we’ve heard that before? (Psst. – Psalm 23!)

Now, the Pharisees and religious people that Jesus spoke to were zealous for God, in their own mind, but they refused to recognize that their prophesied Messiah was standing in their midst. They didn’t want anything to do with Jesus, and they didn’t want anyone else believing in Him as Messiah, or following Him either. They wanted the people under their control and following them. The Pharisees, the religious people, and the unbelieving are still actively at work today, doing the exact same thing; trying to keep you from following Jesus. Satan, who is their lord and motivator, does not have any new plays in his playbook. Let’s look and listen to what the healed man had to say to those ignorant hypocrites…

“The man replied, “Well, this is astonishing! You do not know where He comes from, and yet He opened my eyes!

We know [according to your tradition] that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone fears God and does His will, He hears him.

Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.

If this Man were not from God, He would not be able to do anything [like this because God would not hear His prayer].” - John 9:30-33 AMP

Now we know why Jesus called the Pharisees blind and still in their sins (John9:41). The healed man had received a revelation of life, but the rest of them completely missed the whole thing, including the depravity of their own condition. You can tell by how they responded…

“They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins [from head to foot], and you [presume to] teach us?” Then they threw him out [of the synagogue].” – John 9:34 AMP

This is where they missed it. You see, we were all “born entirely in sins [from head to foot].” That was our condition resulting from Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden. They thought their works and good behavior, and their knowledge of the Bible would eliminate their guilt before God. However, there was no way for any of them to be free of their true enemy… the inner sin nature, inherited through Adam, and mastered over by Satan, the great deceiver, himself. Isn’t it just like the deceived to think that everyone else is deceived.

In their ignorance and stubbornness, they didn’t want God’s way, they wanted God, their way. They were the false ones that Jesus eludes to in His story. They were the ones leading the people to distrust that Jesus was the Messiah… their only Messiah. They were the thieves stealing the only way of salvation from the people, and robbing them of true life. And friends, this is still true of any teacher or leader that detracts your attention away from Jesus, the only way to life and life more abundant.

Whether they know it or not, all spiritual thieves are drawing sheep away from the true Shepherd and will lead those sheep to physical and spiritual destruction and death. They will steal true life from you. Their doctrine may kill you and destroy your life, even if it sounds good and everyone in their congregation chimes in with an “Amen!”. When you follow those who are not teaching the true good news (The Gospel), or the actual Word of God, or unveiling Jesus to you, or teaching you how to walk by faith and be led by the Holy Spirit of God, they will lead you on a path of destruction that will not only affect you, but also the lives of everyone you care about, and also those who care about what happens to you.

This is serious business, and it is just as critical today in our Christ-hating societies and over zealous religious circles, as it was in Jesus day, when people called Him a sinner and a devil. Even those false ones who are not verbally against Jesus or true Christianity, but do nothing to put your feet on solid faith ground in Jesus Christ, the finished work of the cross and the resurrection, the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily walk, and every promise that is received by faith in the Word of God, are robbing you of the life more abundant that Jesus came to give you. The power of distraction is deadly!

Now, let’s talk about life! Before we came to faith in Christ; that is faith in His death, burial, and resurrection on our behalf, the Scripture tells us in Ephesians 2:1, that we were dead in our trespasses and sins. Physically alive, but spiritually dead, completely separated and unable to fellowship with God, or experience His glory or power now and throughout eternity. So, when Jesus says that He came to give us “life,” it is a quality of life that goes beyond mere breathing. Our physical life is set to expire, leaving our soul no where to go but into everlasting darkness, without the eternal light of life. Jesus said…

“I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” – John 8:12 AMP

Our physical body had the curse of death upon it, as a result of the first sin in the garden. God was serious when He warned Adam about eating from the tree that would bring death. However, Jesus came… Yes, He “came,” with the purpose to give us life, that quality of life that only God possesses, which is eternal life… His life! But that is not all… He came to not only give us His eternal life, but also exuberance and abundance. I’d like to share with you what the Commentator Albert Barnes has to say about this…

“Literally, that they may have abundance, or that which abounds. The word denotes that which is not absolutely essential to life, but which is super-added to make life happy. They shall not merely have life - simple, bare existence - but they shall have all those super-added things which are needful to make that life eminently blessed and happy. It would be vast mercy to keep men merely from annihilation or hell; but Jesus will give them eternal joy, peace, the society of the blessed, and all those exalted means of felicity which are prepared for them in the world of glory.” – Albert Barnes Commentary

Wow, the eternal life of God, plus the super-added, unnecessary, but enjoyable abundance of the things that make life truly happy, are given to those who believe; to the sheep in Jesus’ flock. Even David observed this about God, when he wrote...

“You crown the year with Your goodness,And Your paths drip with abundance.” – Psalm 65:11 NKJV

Looking at all of this, it is pretty obvious that Jesus was telling a story that absolutely left the listener with no question as to which was better; life... or stealing, killing and destroying. But hang on, because Jesus isn’t finished with His story yet. He tells the listeners that He is the Good Shepherd, the one that was David’s Shepherd in Psalm 23. He uses the phrase “I AM” the Good Shepherd, which indicated to the listeners that He is God, the “Great I AM” from the Old Testament. He is the One who intentionally lays His own life down to save the sheep. Then, He continues on and introduces two more characters…

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep.

But the hired man [who merely serves for wages], who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away; and the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.

The man runs because he is a hired hand [who serves only for wages] and is not concerned about the [safety of the] sheep.” – John 10:11-13 AMP 

“But the hired man…” This is the hireling, as other versions call him. There is the Good Shepherd and the hireling. Jesus is now contrasting Himself with the hired man. The Good Shepherd gives His own life for the sheep, but the hired man will not. It is so loud and clear that the sheep better not trust anyone but Jesus, or they will end up wolf chow. The hireling is the one who is given charge over the sheep and has been hired for cash to care for them. So, first Jesus recognizes that there are actually thieves and robbers, but now He addresses the hireling, the one who takes money to guard and protect the sheep. This one is not the Good Shepherd, nor is he a true under-shepherd, nor the owner of the sheep, this is one who only works for wages. Notice how Jesus describes this one. He has no concern for the sheep. He only cares for himself. If he sees the wolf, he runs and lets the sheep be slaughtered. He runs, like a coward, taking his wages with him.

So, what is Jesus saying, here? What is the point of His story, besides making it clear that He is indeed the “Good Shepherd?” Jesus is exposing something. He is exposing those Pharisees and religious leaders for the frauds that they were. He was calling them out as the blind leading the blind. (Matthew 6:13-14) The Lord’s knowledge and attitude towards false shepherds or false leaders had been prophesied long before. Jesus is not exposing something new, this had been prophesied. Now, I want you to see this Old Testament prophesy concerning these false shepherds of Israel, whom I believe Jesus was addressing in John 9 & 10. The attitude of God towards those who don’t care for His flock is still valid today…

“And the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to them, the [spiritual] shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe (judgment is coming) to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?

You eat the fat [the choicest of meat], and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the best of the livestock, but you do not feed the flock.

You have not strengthened those who are weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bandaged the crippled, you have not brought back those gone astray, you have not looked for the lost; but you have ruled them with force and violence.

They were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the predators of the field.

My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the face of the earth and no one searched or sought them.”’”

Therefore, you [spiritual] shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:

“As I live,” says the Lord God, “certainly because My flock has become prey, My flock has even become food for every predator of the field for lack of a shepherd, and My shepherds did not search for My flock, but rather the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock;

therefore, you [spiritual] shepherds, hear the word of the Lord:

Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from them and make them stop tending the flock, so that the shepherds cannot feed themselves anymore. I will rescue My flock from their mouth, so that they will not be food for them.”

For thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I Myself will search for My flock and seek them out.

As a shepherd cares for his sheep on the day that he is among his scattered flock, so I will care for My sheep; and I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.

 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.

I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.

I will feed My flock and I will let them lie down [to rest],” says the Lord God.

“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bandage the crippled, and strengthen the weak and the sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong [who have become hard-hearted and perverse]. I will feed them with judgment and punishment.” – Ezekiel 34:1-16 AMP

Okay, now that was fierce, but it shows us how serious the Lord is about the care of His sheep. The shepherds were not shepherding God’s flock. They were caring for themselves and not feeding the sheep. They were hirelings! They were not healing and binding up the wounds of the injured sheep. They were feeding themselves, while the flock went hungry, and they were leaving them alone to become prey for the predators. Take counsel here, that God will demand His sheep back from any under-shepherd not doing his or her job. God will cut off the supply and remove them from tending His sheep. The proper care of His sheep is important to God, and ought to be important to any true minister of the sheep. I notice in Ezekiel’s prophesy that God promises to intervene, Himself. I love this about Him. He never leaves His sheep to be mismanaged or harmed. I hear in this prophesy aspects of Psalm 23, as God provides for His sheep and takes care of their protection. This prophesy, as a promise to Israel, is still being fulfilled, but there are just as many warnings about false shepherds, teachers, or prophets for the Church in the New Testament. 

Listen to this warning that was given by Jesus Himself…

 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to [everlasting] life, and there are few who find it.

“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?

Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].” – Matthew 7:13-20 AMP

In this example, Jesus calls Himself a narrow gate, which makes me think of the door of the sheepfold spoken of in John 10, as it was a small opening for the sheep and shepherd to enter. I get this revelation, because once again Jesus is making inference to shepherding when He identifies the false prophets or teachers as those who pretend to be sheep. Now we see the wolf that Jesus had spoken of, as well. The wolf is a destructive pretender.

I love the logic of Jesus, and fruit trees. I have fruit trees on my property, so this is one example that I can relate to. Healthy and good trees do produce good and healthy fruit. Fruit is for food and nourishment. Jesus is using this imagery to warn us about doctrine and words coming out of “so called” prophets and teachers. It better be good fruit. This is a “Watch what you eat” statement. Pay attention to the lives of those you listen to, and pay attention to their words. Do their words match the Word of God, and the true meaning in its context. I don’t mean, “Did they quote the Word of God?” Anyone can do that, even the devil quoted the Word of God to Jesus; just with a twisted understanding. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Now, I’m not encouraging you to launch off into a full investigation of your pastor, your leaders, or even internet ministers that you listen to. We are not to participate in flip judgments, careless gossip, or slanderous speech against ministers. We can’t listen to clips of sermons offered by You-Tubers who claim to be watchmen or women, and be able to tell if someone is false. It takes time to recognize patterns of false teaching. Every minister makes mistakes from time to time. I will make mistakes, also.

Jesus is referring to the consistently false. These are the ones who draw your attention off of the Son of God and onto yourself, or onto them, or other worldly, temporal things. He is warning us that, just like in His time on earth, there were those who talked the talk, but did not walk the walk. They are not true believers and they are not born again of the Spirit of God. They are charlatans, play-actors, pretending to be something they are not. They may be the thieves or robbers, or the hireling, or the wolf, but they are not truly appointed of God and gifted by the Spirit for the ministry they are trying to hold. People are easily deceived when they are ignorant of the Word of God for themselves. Our generation has been so blessed to have been given the whole written Word of God, as well as the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit within (if you are born again, that is), and the mind of Christ with which we discern. It’s time to pick up the Book and read it! Study it from cover to cover!

When Jesus warned us about all of these dangerous predators, He wasn’t kidding. Friends, most of us know that we are in the last of the last days before the Great Tribulation, and the devil would like nothing more than to keep people chasing everything but the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not have enough time left to be uncertain or ignorant about important spiritual things; things God specifically spoke about throughout the entire counsel of the written Word, so that we would be informed.

I have always been concerned about a particular word of warning regarding our time. It is the word “many.” Let me put it in context. In a conversation with His disciples, Jesus answers their questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Twice He warns about false ministers…

“Jesus answered, “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].

For many will come in My name [misusing it, and appropriating the strength of the name which belongs to Me], saying, ‘I am the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ and they will mislead many.” – Matthew 24:4-5 AMP

Then in verse 11, He says it again...

“Many false prophets will appear and mislead many.” – Matthew 24:11 AMP

Now notice that John tells the Church about the same thing in his first letter…

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world.

By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source];

and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world.” – 1 John 4:1-3 AMP

There are “many” more examples in the new testament of this warning, but I’d like to share the ones that come from Peter. Before Jesus ascended back to heaven, He commissioned a man who had screwed up in every possible way. He encouraged him to receive His loving grace, then take that message of grace to the people. He was called upon to take care of God’s sheep. Let’s listen carefully to this great under-shepherd. At the end of his first letter, Peter exhorts all of the other under-shepherds. Listen to what God expects…

 “Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory that is to be revealed:

shepherd and guide and protect the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not [motivated] for shameful gain, but with wholehearted enthusiasm;

not lording it over those assigned to your care [do not be arrogant or overbearing], but be examples [of Christian living] to the flock [set a pattern of integrity for your congregation].

And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory.

Likewise, you younger men [of lesser rank and experience], be subject to your elders [seek their counsel]; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another [tie on the servant’s apron], for God is opposed to the proud [the disdainful, the presumptuous, and He defeats them], but He gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,

casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].

To Him be dominion (power, authority, sovereignty) forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:1-11 AMP

When I read Peter’s revelation, I can hear the voice of David as he describes the heart of a true shepherd. These men had a relationship with the One who watchfully cares for the sheep of God’s pasture. These were men, that when faced with challenges brought on by the enemy, stood their ground and remained in faith, but also continued to shepherd God’s flock with integrity and honor. The devil is still prowling today, so let us under-shepherds continue to be alert and watchful of God’s flock.

Next. I want you to see what Peter saw coming in our age and time. In his second letter, after defending the prophetic word made sure, having eye-witnessed Jesus transfigured before their very eyes, and having heard the actual voice of God testify to His pleasure in His Son, Jesus, Peter gives a stern warning to the Church about the future. It’s a bit long, but you dare not miss a nugget from this, because this is the time we are living in, folks. Let’s look…

“But [in those days] false prophets arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will subtly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves.

Many will follow their shameful ways, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned.

And in their greed they will exploit you with false arguments and twisted doctrine. Their sentence [of condemnation which God has decreed] from a time long ago is not idle [but is still in force], and their destruction and deepening misery is not asleep [but is on its way].

For if God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but threw them into hell and sent them to pits of gloom to be kept [there] for judgment;

and if He did not spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought [the judgment of] a flood upon the world of the ungodly;

and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;

and if He rescued righteous Lot, who was tormented by the immoral conduct of unprincipled and ungodly men

(for that just man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by what he saw and heard of their lawless acts),

then [in light of the fact that all this is true, be sure that] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and how to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,

and especially those who indulge in the corrupt passions of the sin nature, and despise authority.

Presumptuous and reckless, self-willed and arrogant [creatures, despising the majesty of the Lord], they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties,

whereas even angels who are superior in might and power do not bring a reviling (defaming) accusation against them before the Lord.

But these [false teachers], like unreasoning animals, [mere] creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed, reviling things they do not understand, will also perish in their own corruption [in their destroying they will be destroyed],

suffering wrong [destined for punishment] as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a delight to revel in the daytime [living luxuriously]. They are stains and blemishes [on mankind], reveling in their deceptions even as they feast with you.

They have eyes full of adultery, constantly looking for sin, enticing and luring away unstable souls. Having hearts trained in greed, [they are] children of a curse.

Abandoning the straight road [that is, the right way to live], they have gone astray; they have followed the way of [the false teacher] Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness;

but he was rebuked for his own transgression: a mute donkey spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

These [false teachers] are springs without water and mists driven by a tempest, for whom is reserved the gloom of black darkness.

For uttering arrogant words of vanity [pompous words disguised to sound scholarly or profound, but meaning nothing and containing no spiritual truth], they beguile and lure using lustful desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.

They promise them liberty, when they themselves are the slaves of depravity—for by whatever anyone is defeated and overcome, to that [person, thing, philosophy, or concept] he is continually enslaved.

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world by [personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition has become worse for them than the first.

For it would have been better for them not to have [personally] known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to have turned back from the holy commandment [verbally] handed on to them.

The thing spoken of in the true proverb has happened to them, “The dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “A sow is washed only to wallow [again] in the mire.” – 2 Peter 2 AMP

Wow, that was a pretty incredible description of what false prophets and teachers may look like and sound like. The Apostle Paul tells about ravenous wolves coming into the Ephesian Church after he leaves in Acts 20, and makes hints from his own example of what true ministry ought to look like. He also gives Timothy wisdom about false prophets. Jude also speaks about the false ones in the last days. So, we have no excuse not to be aware. But what does any of this have to do with Psalm 23, Everyone’s Favorite Psalm? To answer this, we must return once more to the story Jesus was telling in John 10.

 "I am the Good Shepherd, and I know [without any doubt those who are] My own and My own know Me [and have a deep, personal relationship with Me]—

even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep.

I have other sheep [beside these] that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they will listen to My voice and pay attention to My call, and they will become one flock with one Shepherd.” – John 10:14-16 AMP

Once again, Jesus confirms that He is the Good Shepherd who lays His life down for the sheep. He is the One to Whom David refers in Psalm 23. He gave up everything for the sake of the sheep. Let’s be sure we understand who the sheep are. To understand, you must recognize that the audience that Jesus was speaking to were the Jewish people. They are routinely referred to as sheep in both the Old and New Testaments. Does that leave out any of us who are not Jewish? Certainly not! Jesus declares that He has “other sheep.” Who are the other sheep? They are anyone, of any nation, who listens to His call and chooses to follow Him. Notice, He says that we will all become one flock. The only safe place to be in the coming days is in this flock. Are you one of His sheep?

Not a one of us, who have entered the sheepfold of Jesus, came by our efforts, our good behavior, our adherence to laws and regulations, or our personal knowledge. Not a one of us is worthy to be here. We entered because He invited us, and we accepted His offer. The sin nature inherited through Adam, and our own personal transgressions prevented us from entering, but Jesus gave His own life to make a way for us to be able to come into His eternal presence. The price to be paid for sin was death. Blood had to be shed for there to be forgiveness of sins, but our blood was unclean. Jesus volunteered to give His life and allow His own sinless blood to be shed for the forgiveness of our sin. He didn’t ask our permission. He did it because He loved us and wanted us to be with Him forever. When He suffered the penalty for every sin by receiving the wrath of God on the cross, and His body was buried in the tomb, God saw that our debt had been paid. In the body of His only begotten Son, our sin debt was paid, so God declared us justified, then He raised His sinless Son up from the grave, because He was not guilty of any of His own sins.

Friends, God is not remembering your sins any more, for you have been justified in the body of another. God sees you now, as if you never had sin. Quit trying to justify yourself, it doesn’t work. Simply believe by faith what Jesus has done. Take a hold of His nail-scarred hands, and come into His sheepfold. You are welcome! You are invited!

If you have never received the free gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, I invite you to take this unearned, undeserved gift right now. Here is how you do it. You simply say…

“Lord, I repent! (Which means I change my mind about You!) I see now that you sent your only Son to pay the penalty for my sin and to take my sins away. According to your Word, I am free of condemnation (Romans 8:1) for the rest of my life. I accept Your forgiveness, and I want to live in close relationship with You through faith and fellowship in Your Word. I invite Your Holy Spirit to come live in me, to shepherd me and to guide me forever. I believe that You will come again and take me to Your Heavenly kingdom. Thank You that I am now saved as a Child of God. The Lord is my Shepherd and I am part of His sheepfold. Amen

As we begin to wrap up this article, I hope you have seen the heart of the Good Shepherd. His goodness is in stark contrast to those who are thieves and robbers, hirelings and wolves. Whether you realized it before now, or not, if you are in His sheepfold, He protects you from those voices of the false prophets, teachers, or messiahs. You do not have to do so yourself. How do I know this? It is because Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice. They are in relationship with Him. They do not follow the voice of a stranger. They are led by the Spirit of God and they follow Jesus. If someone is not following in the path of righteousness, the sheep will not follow them. That is the voice of a stranger and the sheep will run from them. Now that we know and understand who the Good Shepherd is that David described in Psalm 23, and we have a new confidence in Him to protect us from false prophets, teachers and messiahs, we can have a new appreciation and revelation of Psalm 23, Everyone’s Favorite Psalm. Let’s look at this precious Psalm again and dive in a little deeper…

“The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.” – Psalm 23:1 AMPC

Friends, if you are a sheep and the Lord is Your Shepherd, you will be provided for. It is the responsibility of the Shepherd to feed or pasture His flock. Your responsibility, dear sheep, is to follow Him to the provision and enjoy it. This is a promise of no lack. We most certainly need to take this by faith, because there is not a one of us who has not found ourselves in a position of need. This is Jesus’ promise… no lack. Remember that Jesus came to give you life and that super-added abundance. You remember, the stuff you don’t really need, but He gives it to you anyway, because it delights your life.

Because you have this promise, if you hear anyone preach that you need to do something or give something to get something, you will know that they are either misinformed or lying and intentionally deceiving. I don’t have to be compelled to do something or give, because I simply follow what Jesus is doing. If I see Him doing something or giving, I know that He has already provided what I need to do or what I need to give, including the heart and willingness to do so. This is so comforting. There is no pressure when I know that My Provider is trustworthy.

Next, we see what else the Good Shepherd does… “He makes me…” Again, He is giving me this experience. He is leading me.

“He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.” – Psalm 23:2

I am a sheep, so I am a follower. I go where my Good Shepherd goes. It is the responsibility of the Shepherd to lead me to a place where the grass is green and fresh. This is a picture of laying in fluffy short grass, when it is soft to the touch and comfortable. This is the perfect place to sit in rest and peace. Sheep love this kind of grass. He will lead us there, but we must follow Him to know the way to get there. Here is one way…

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. ” – Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Have you ever sat by a quiet restful stream? It is so relaxing and peaceful. His Word is referred to as this kind of water (Ephesians 5:26). His Word will bring us to that restful place of confidence in Him. The language of the Holy Spirit, which is given as a gift to believers, is also termed as the rest and refreshment of waters. Look at how this Scripture sums this up…

“Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink!

He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’”

But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).” – John 7:37-39 AMP

If I am a sheep and I am following my Good Shepherd, I will be led to peace and restfulness. When I am thirsty for the pure water of the Word, I go to Jesus and drink! He is my rest and my refreshing. Using the language given to me by the Spirit, I have rivers of living water flowing from me; rivers that I will use to refresh others along the way. I have been drawing from this river since the moment I began this article, and I pray that you are learning and being refreshed. This is so powerful!

If you remember the Scripture above where Jesus looked out over the crowds and saw them as sheep without a shepherd, He notices how tormented they were; how lost and confused; “...they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 AMPC) This world is not going to help us. We need the Good Shepherd to refresh us and restore us. To restore means to return back to some previous condition, but Jesus does better than that. He brings us to a state that is better than the previous condition before sin, He give us what we never had… union with Him.

“He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:3 AMPC

It is through our faith union with Him that we have received the gift of His righteousness under the New Covenant. (Romans 5:17/ Philippians 3:9) We did nothing to deserve it or earn it, because we all started off in sin and a slave to its inclinations. Righteousness was imparted to us when we came into Christ by faith. He leads us in the paths of righteousness, because that is His nature. It is the well worn path of Jesus, and is easy for us to follow. If you want to stay in a rut, this is the one to be in! As we follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, we will naturally walk in righteousness, because that is who we are in Him. As a sheep, I may slip into a hole, but I am still a sheep and have not lost my righteousness in Christ, otherwise my righteousness is not a gift, it’s a reward. Any false teacher who eludes to the fact that your righteousness can be lost, does not know the true Gospel. There’s a wonderful song that captures this really well…

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame,but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand: all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand…” - Edward Mote 1834

Yes, our righteousness or right standing with God was a gift, because we believed in the blood shed at the cross. We walk in righteousness, because we are righteous by faith. And if you believe that truth, you really will walk in His righteousness.

We are told that a time is coming where darkness covers the earth and deep darkness will cover the people. (Isaiah 60:2) I believe we are feeling that right now. At times I sense even a darkness that can be felt, like in the plagues of Egypt. This darkness is spiritual, though. The Apostle Paul told Timothy that in the last of the last days, there will be some that fall away from the faith and pay attention to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Look at what else Paul tells Timothy about our times…

“But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear].

For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane,

[and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good,

traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,

holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them.

For among them are those who worm their way into homes and captivate morally weak and spiritually-dwarfed women weighed down by [the burden of their] sins, easily swayed by various impulses,

always learning and listening to anybody who will teach them, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith.

But they will not get very far, for their meaningless nonsense and ignorance will become obvious to everyone, as was that of Jannes and Jambres.

Now you have diligently followed [my example, that is] my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,

persecutions, and sufferings—such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, but the Lord rescued me from them all!

Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].

But evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” – 2 Timothy 3:1-13 AMP

Does this sound like the world we are living in right now? This is what I can conceive would be like walking in the valley of the shadow of death. This is the world we currently live in, where there is death all around. Our Good Shepherd is so near to us with His rescuing tools, that we can quite literally live with no fear.

“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 AMPC

Impossible??? It sounds like it, but this is what the Scripture declares. His presence wards off any fear. We may be walking in the darkest valley, but His light and His protective presence will keep us from fear. David has another Psalm that ties in to this idea so well. Let’s look at it…

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life—Whom shall I dread?

When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

Though an army encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, Even in this I am confident.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, and that I will seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, To gaze upon the beauty [the delightful loveliness and majestic grandeur] of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, In His tent I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” – Psalm 27:1-6 AMP

This is the declaration of a man who has been through the darkest valley and has come out the other side. The Lord – our light and salvation, our refuge and fortress. Nothing is getting past Him. It’s a silly example, but sometimes when we are walking back to our house in the dark from the other side of the property, I will grab onto the shirt tail of my husband who is leading with the flashlight. I don’t worry, because at least one of us has light. Friends, whatever dark valley we have to walk through, Jesus our Good Shepherd is with us and He will lead and guide us through the darkness with His light. No fear!!!

According to the next verse of Psalm 23, I am invited to the table of the Lord, where it is the responsibility of the host to keep those at His table safe. There has been something prepared for me there, even in the presence of my enemies. There is a meal that is so powerful that we are encouraged to eat and drink of it often. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26/ Matthew 26:26-28) We are to do it in remembrance of Jesus. This was the communion meal that He shared with His disciples before He was to suffer on the cross, and He ate it even in the presence of His enemy. (Luke 22:14-20) We eat this meal even in the presence of our enemies, because there is nothing the enemy can do to reverse the effect of what this meal represents. Every time we eat of it, we are declaring the Lord’s death until He comes again. Why is this so powerful? Because, His body received our curse and His blood removed our sin. It is finished! And there is nothing the enemy can do to change it.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.” – Psalm 23:5 AMPC

The head is the place of honor for the body. The head can be crowned, and the head can be anointed with oil. This is an action of respect and honor. David was anointed to be the next king. (1 Samuel 16:12-13) Jesus was anointed for honor and ahead of time for His burial. Sheep were anointed for healing wounds and for protection against flies. Oil was used to consecrate and to set someone apart for a divine assignment. Oil represents the Holy Spirit, and the Scripture says that the Christian has the anointing that will keep us protected in this last hour.

“Children, it is the last hour [the end of this age]; and just as you heard that the antichrist is coming [the one who will oppose Christ and attempt to replace Him], even now many antichrists (false teachers) have appeared, which confirms our belief that it is the last hour.

They went out from us [seeming at first to be Christians], but they were not really of us [because they were not truly born again and spiritually transformed]; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out [teaching false doctrine], so that it would be clearly shown that none of them are of us.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One [you have been set apart, specially gifted and prepared by the Holy Spirit], and all of you know [the truth because He teaches us, illuminates our minds, and guards us from error]. – 1 John 2:18-20 AMP

Praise God for the anointing of the Holy Spirit! We have been born into this generation for such a time as this. He has set us apart from the false ones. He has gifted us with His special ministering qualities. He has made us ready for this hour, and is continuing to equip us with His power and truth. What more do we need when we have the Holy Spirit as our live-in guide? I take so much comfort in knowing that He will keep me safe in this time of great deception.

Every good shepherd will also wipe down the heads of the sheep with oil to keep flies from irritating the sheep. It’s kind of gross, but the flies would get up into the noses of the sheep, lay their eggs, and the larva would travel up into their brains. Yuk! It was so irritating, that it would cause the sheep to bang their heads against the stone walls, injuring them severely and even killing themselves. I see suicide in this picture.

In the Scriptures, flies represent demonic powers and influence. Demons bring their deceptions and destructive thoughts to the minds of both believers and unbelievers alike. Remember in 1 Timothy 4:1-5, we are told that in the last days, people will turn away from the true Gospel, and will resort to listening to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. These people have turned away from the Good Shepherd and are no longer under His protective care, therefore demons are able to harass them severely and lead them on a path of self destruction. We need to stay close to the Good Shepherd, because we need everything that the Good Shepherd provides in order to keep our minds protected from demons by His grace and through His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There are so many unseen things that our Good Shepherd keeps us protected from.

Did you know that oil also symbolizes joy and gladness (Psalm 45:7/Isaiah 61:3) The Holy Spirit is joyful, and He wants to fill you with all of that gladness, such that your cup overflows. Everyday, I have to refill the ice trays with filtered water. I end up overfilling the cups every time, and I spill water out all over the counter and the floor. I think I could say that the cup overflowed. We are meant to be so overfull that we are splashing our blessings and favor out upon the world every day of our lives.

This is the life of the one who abides in the sheepfold and follows the Good Shepherd to green pastures, calm waters, and well worn paths of righteousness. There is a certainty in the life of these sheep. They are well taken care of and they have no fear, because they trust their Good Shepherd. No matter what may try to come against them, the Good Shepherd, Who is well equipped to take the predator by the mane to strike and kill it, will protect and defend them.

Jesus said that when the sheep hear His voice, He leads them out and they follow Him. This is an interesting concept, but I believe that He not only leads them, but at the same time, He follows them. I see some of this in the story of the Israelites as they escaped the awful hand of the Pharaoh of Egypt and were led into the wilderness; the cloud by day and the fire by night. (Exodus 13:21-22) They were surrounded with His favor as with as shield. (Psalm 5:12) We are surrounded with His favor, as well. He leads us in righteousness and He follows us with His goodness, mercy and unfailing love. We are confident in the promise that all things work together for our good, because we love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

“Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” – Psalm 23:6 AMPC

No matter how dark and sinister the world becomes, those in the sheepfold of Jesus have a glorious future ahead in His presence and enjoying the fellowship around the table of blessing in His house, the house He has been in Heaven preparing for us.

I pray that as you have read or listened to this teaching, you have found fresh revelation regarding the Good Shepherd of your soul. If you had never entered into the sheepfold, I pray that you have made a confident decision to follow Christ and enjoy your new relationship with the God of Heaven. And as we continue in this world, while we are certain that the Rapture of the Church, and the Great Tribulation are just around the corner, we must remain in confidence that our Good Shepherd will keep us protected from every predator, including false prophets, false teachers, and false messiahs.

The Good Shepherd has promised to be with us all the way to the end of the age. He has promised to shepherd us and keep us protected as we carry out the Father’s will in these last days. Let us be reminded of our commission and purpose...

“Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20 AMP

It was important for Jesus to declare to His early disciples that “all” authority and power had been given to Jesus. They understood authority and the power that came with the use of an important name. Having witnessed their Savior being crucified, then resurrected, and having to sort out all of the swirling thoughts and confusion they must have felt at that time, it was important for them to see that Satan no longer had the power… Jesus did! The authority in His name, and His promise to be with them all the way to the end of the age, is what was necessary to build their confidence to go forth with boldness to accomplish the will of the Father. It is this same confidence that we need to complete our assignments in our generation.

“We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.

As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world [giving guidance through My word and works].” – John 9:4-5 AMP

Step out in bold confidence, learn all that the Good Shepherd has given you, fear no evil, and go forth into your future knowing that the Lord Your Shepherd will provide for you, will rest you, and will keep you protected in these last of the last days. Hallelujah!

Here are a few more blessed Scriptures for your meditation. Don’t you just love the Word of God!

“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.

Serve the Lord with gladness and delight; Come before His presence with joyful singing.

Know and fully recognize with gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.” – Psalm 100 AMP

“Do not be afraid and anxious, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:32 AMP

Now that, dear Friends, is grace!

written by

Eileen R. Jacobs (August, 2025)

Copyright © 2025 Eileen Jacobs Ministries. All rights reserved.

A Message to the New Believer:

Congratulations &

Welcome to the Family of God

If today you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, this is an exciting day! All of Heaven is rejoicing over you, and your name has been officially written in the Lambs Book of Life. (Luke 10:20)

 “I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” - Luke 15:10

We would like to encourage you to write this date down somewhere important to you. Many people like to write the date of their salvation on the inside cover of their Bible. I can’t stress enough how important this is to do. Not only does it help you remember the day you became a Child of God, but it is a marker of your New Birth, like a birth certificate, which is a legal proof of your existence.

This date or marker is important because, as we have discovered in this article, there actually is a devil. Since he is a spirit, he has an ability to speak to our minds by way of deceptive thoughts. I can almost guarantee that there will come a time when a suggestive thought will come to your mind that will cause you to question whether you are really saved or not. This is where that date recorded or marker or New Birth certificate becomes important. You can simply go back to your Bible or wherever you wrote it down, and remind yourself, or say to the devil...”Nope, you’re wrong! This date is the day I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, the day of my New Birth, the day I became a Child of God, the day I was forgiven and saved, the day my name was written in the Lamb’s book of life...end of discussion!”

Finally, we would love to know that you have joined the family of God. We are so excited for you and we want to keep you in our prayers. Email us at info@EileenJacobs.org to let us know!