Fifth Day: 'The Lord Is My shepherd.'
J. Wilbur Chapman emphasizes the comfort and security found in recognizing the Lord as our shepherd who guides and protects us.
J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the comforting and secure relationship between Jesus as the good Shepherd and believers as His sheep, emphasizing the protection and love provided by Christ and the Father. The imagery of the sheepfold symbolizes the safety and assurance found in being held by Jesus and the Father, ensuring that nothing can harm or separate believers from their care. Chapman encourages living each day in the hope and power of Christ's appearing, trusting in His guidance to provide nourishment, protection, and victory in the midst of discouragement and challenges.
Text
DAVID knew how he loved his sheep, and so no more endearing name could be given to his Lord.
He is called "the chief Shepherd " by Peter in I. Pet. 5:4; for Peter was looking for him to appear, and he knew him to be the chiefest among ten thousand. And Peter's longing may be fulfilled today. So live this day in the light, the hope, and the power of his appearing.
In John he is called "the good Shepherd." John 10:11. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." Then in the same chapter is given a description of what would really seem to be the sheepfold, when it is written, "They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28.
What a resting-place that is! What security is there!
But the next verse increases the sweetness and power of the thought. "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." John10: 29. And it is as if the Father's hand had just been placed over us as we rest in the hand of Christ. This is indeed the sheepfold; and, if this is our place in the plan of God, then surely nothing can molest us or make us afraid.
But the next verse really increases the comfort of the thought, when Jesus says, "I and my Father are one." John 10:30. One in holding us out to the end. One in protecting us from danger and from harm. One in love toward us; for, having loved us, the love will be unto the end.
Granted the fact that yours is a life of discouragement, that everything in life seems to be against you. Every day may be a day of blessing, every hour an hour of victory, if but lived in the thought that Jehovah in his might is your shepherd, in sympathy, in love, and in helpfulness.
SUGGESTIONS FOR TODAY.
1. It is the shepherd's business to lead his sheep to the place where they may find food to eat and water to drink. Our Shepherd will do this for you today.
2. But you must be most sensitive to his leadings. It would be well to pause frequently today, and see whether he is really leading you on.
3. Do not dare go through the day without feeding upon his word. One verse may drive away the adversary of your soul. Stop often and take a deep breath of the very life of God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the role of the shepherd - The significance of Jesus as the chief Shepherd - The comfort found in being part of His flock
- II points: - The security of being in the Father's hand - The unity of the Father and the Son - The assurance of eternal protection
- III points: - Living in the light of His guidance - The importance of sensitivity to His leading - Feeding on His word for spiritual strength
Key Quotes
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
“I and my Father are one.” — J. Wilbur Chapman
Application Points
- Be attentive to the Shepherd's guidance throughout your day.
- Regularly feed on God's word to maintain spiritual strength.
- Find comfort in the assurance that you are held securely in the Father's hand.