Sunday, January 11, 2015

GOD’S PASTURE


Psalm 100:3   Know that (E)the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 23:2a  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
  
            Frequently, the Bible uses farming settings and actions to present spiritual truths clearly and powerfully. Stories and analogies using sheep (Isaiah 53:6; John 10:1-16, Luke 15:4-7, Ezekiel 34), vineyards (John 15:1-5, Jeremiah 12:10, Matthew 20:1), see (Mark 4:3-34, Luke 8:11, Isaiah 55:10-12) and the harvest (Matthew 9:38, John 4:35, Galatians 6:7) were intended to connect the recipients’ agricultural understanding with the spiritual realities of God’s Kingdom. As hearers and readers pondered these parables, prophetic pictures and spiritual analogies, they could evaluate their spiritual condition in relationship to the truth of the story.

            Regularly God uses a pasture setting in his Word to remind his people that we’re a part of his family. We belong to him and he belongs to us. As our shepherd, he offers us a rich feat of spiritual food and water because of our relationship to him. Jesus said that those who enter through him would find the pastureland of the Father (John 10:9). In this special relationship, there’s protection, security, nourishment and shelter.

            There’s incredible food and safety waiting for us in the Father’s kingdom. In the shadow of his care, we have the opportunity to feast while he lovingly guards us. Bring him your hurts, scars and pains. Let him soothe the wounds of your past with the balm of his tenderness. Let him lead you to his quiet brooks where you can rest from life’s relentless pressure. The Lord Jesus is standing at the gate of God’s pasture calling you to come home. His sheep hear his voice (John 10:27). Why are you waiting? Run to Him.

Written by H. Curtis McDaniel

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