Matthew chapter 9: 36-38 (NIV)
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Psalm 23 – Verses 1-3 (NIV)
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.
It’s easy to get harassed when we have so much to do, and there is plenty of things going on all around us. In the run up to Christmas too, many people remarked about how busy and stressed they felt. Even in this new year we can set ourselves targets and expectations that can make us feel stressed. When we rush around, we can get caught up with our circumstances and forget to look to God for leading and guidance. Earlier in the week we read of Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness, and here again we see the importance of allowing ourselves to be led by the Good Shepherd who has compassion on us also.
Eastern Shepherds always led their sheep, and still do, as opposed to western countries where the shepherd guides the sheep by driving them where they want them to go. But we don’t always like to be led. We often prefer to lead, but often that’s when we can become harassed and should we find ourselves in a situation that we cannot change or do anything about we too can feel helpless. But if we allow ourselves to be led, we will find as David did, that our souls will be refreshed and we will stay on the right paths. But the one time it is right to take the lead is in bringing people to Jesus.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You lead me in the paths that are right for me. Help me to submit to Your leadership knowing that it provides all that I need, that I shall lack nothing and find refreshment for my soul. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.