Pastor's Pen

Yahweh-Rohi: The LORD My Shepherd

Most of the time wild animals like lions, monkeys, whales, snakes, or eagles don’t need someone to watch out for them. God designed these creatures to thrive independently, equipped with instincts and abilities to care for themselves. Sheep, however, are a different story. Its quite normal for them to need a shepherd to look after them. They aren't particularly smart and tend to get frightened easily. No claws, no sharp teeth, lacking the ability to escape through speed or climbing, sheep are pretty vulnerable. This is why they need a shepherd—someone to guide and protect them.

A good shepherd cares deeply for his flock. He attends to their wounds with oil and uses it to keep away troublesome insects. Knowing that sheep are skittish, he might play soft music on a flute or harp to soothe their fears. In biblical times, shepherds defended their sheep with great skill and bravery. They often carried a heavy club or staff to fend off wild animals and thieves. Shepherds also used slings, like the one David used, to drive off predators or keep the sheep safe from a distance.

The shepherd’s staff, or crook, was an essential tool. Its long, hooked design allowed the shepherd to pull sheep out of dangerous situations, like thickets or tight spaces. He could also use the staff to clear away harmful plants or bushes, protecting the sheep from sickness or injury. If a sheep wandered off or got confused about where to go, the shepherd would use his staff to guide them back to safety. While to us, most sheep may look alike, a shepherd knows his flock intimately. He calls each one by name, and every sheep is precious to him. His personal care and attention ensure that no sheep is ever overlooked or forgotten.

In the same way, God, our Shepherd, knows each of us by name. His care is not distant or impersonal, but filled with love and protection. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep, God guides us through life’s challenges, watching over us with compassion and wisdom. God desires for us to understand how deeply He loves and cares.

God desires for us to grasp how deeply He loves and cares for His children. Each of us matters to Him personally. Throughout Scripture, God uses the image of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate this relationship. Just as a shepherd is committed to the well-being of his flock, God is devoted to our care, guidance, and protection.

The Bible emphasizes this truth in Psalm 100:3: "Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

This verse reminds us that we belong to God, created by Him and under His loving care. Like sheep, we may be vulnerable and in need of guidance, but we can trust that God, our Shepherd, watches over us with tenderness and knows each of us by name.

Just as a shepherd faithfully protects and cares for his flock, God watches over and provides for His children. He comforts us in times of fear or pain, guiding us along the right path, and gently redirecting us when we begin to stray from what is true and good. When we fall into sin, He lovingly lifts us up, restoring us to the right way. His care is marked by deep love and kindness. The most remarkable part is that God, in His vastness, knows each of His children intimately—by name.

If you are trusting in Jesus as your Savior, know that despite the billions of people in this world, God knows your name. He is Jehovah-Rohi, the LORD, your Shepherd.

David, the shepherd-king of Israel, deeply understood this reality. As someone who had spent much of his life caring for sheep, he often reflected on God's shepherd-like care for him. David not only tended to his flock but also recognized that he was a sheep in the care of Yahweh-Rohi, the LORD, his Shepherd. One of David's most well-known songs expresses this beautiful relationship between God and His people, showing his heartfelt trust in God's constant, guiding presence.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

forever. (Psalm 23:1-6)