Who's your Shepherd?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. (Psalm 23.vs 1-3)
 
   
Although is now January, very soon the fields will be filled with sheep and new born lambs as the lambing season gets into full swing. These precious animals need all the protection and help from the shepherd in order to grow into healthy animals. Protection against disease and scavenging animals, maybe not as much in this country as in, say Eastern countries, but crows and sea eagles can be a great danger to the isolated lamb, as well as any dog let loose amongst the flock. The shepherd is the one responsible for keeping the flock safe and for ensuring it has access to food, water and shelter in the storms. It is a good shepherd who regularly inspects his flock, looking for sickly animals ,or those who have strayed to bring them back to safety. They are precious to him, his source of income, his livelihood and he will do everything in his power to make sure they want for nothing. The Psalmist, David, makes this analogy in the well known 23rd Psalm. He knows how his Lord has brought him through trials and tribulations. He knows how his Lord has sustained him so he lacks nothing, refreshing him and bring him into safe havens, peaceful places when all around is tumultuous. In the Middle East, the sheep know the voice of the shepherd and will follow as he leads them to new pastures. This same Shepherd, we know as Jesus, is still calling for His sheep to follow. So today, if you hear His voice, don't turn away, but quickly run to the Shepherd who considers you most precious in His sight and know the peace that only He can bring.