"I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd." – Ezekiel 34:23
God loves His people so much that He gave His one and only begotten Son – the Man called the "Son of David," Jesus Christ – to be their Saviour, Redeemer, and Lord.
But Jesus is more than just a great leader, a great religious identity, or a great person in history. He's the greatest Shepherd who takes perfect care of His sheep.
When we learn to live by the truth of this verse, we will begin to see the benefits that only Christ alone can bring.
Do you want to know what we will receive if we follow Christ as our Shepherd?
Here are some of them, according to Psalm 23.
1. Contentment
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need."
When Christ is our shepherd, we are assured that all our needs will be met. Although saying "Christ is all that I need" might sound cliché, the truth is that He's actually all that we need for living now and evermore.
2. Rest
"He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength."
Christ promised to give us His peace, a peace that is unlike no other. His peace gives rest to our souls.
3. Purpose
"He guides me along right paths, bringing honour to his name."
Christ gives us a purpose and direction for our lives. If we follow Him, our lives will never ever go to waste.
4. Security
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies."
Christ protects us and keeps us secure from all harm that the enemy brings. No matter what kind of testing, persecution, or temptation we will face, we are assured victory if we hide under the shadow of His wings.
5. Honour
"You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings."
Christ honoured us with His atoning work on the cross, and continues to honour us by enabling God to adopt us through His blood. We are God's children if we are in Christ.
6. Stability
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life..."
God never changes, and no matter what happens, we are assured of His goodness to us who are in Christ. Through Christ, we can come to the throne of God boldly so that we can find grace and mercy in time of need.
7. Eternal Life
"...and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
When we believe in the finished work of Christ and fully trust in Him for our salvation, we are assured a life in eternity with God. Only Christ is able to save us, and if we are in Him, we are assured of our salvation.
