Devotion 12/24, He Provides Like the Shepherd

Psalm 23:1, A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

These words are some of the most-frequently quoted in the entire Old Testament. Even those unfamiliar with the Bible may recognize this verse, which has been used in countless ways over the ages.

David knew by personal experience that Yahweh shepherds His people. He cares for all their needs. When he was a shepherd boy, David cared for his sheep, making sure all their needs were met. In similar fashion the Lord cared for David. David lacked nothing. Believers, too, can be sure the Lord, the Good Shepherd, meets all our needs. He listens to our prayers, and if we call on Him, we will receive His grace and help in a time of need (Hebrews 4:14–16).

An interesting name for the Lord is found in Genesis 22:14. Abraham had been commanded by God to take His son, Isaac, and sacrifice him. When Isaac inquired of his father Abraham where the lamb was for the burnt offering, Abraham told him the Lord would provide the sacrifice. As Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son, the angel of the LORD stopped him. Abraham had demonstrated his faith in God. The Lord provided a ram that was caught in a thicket by it’s horns as a sacrifice instead. Abraham promptly sacrificed the ram and called the site of the sacrifice, Jehovah-Jireh, meaning “The Lord will provide.”
“I shall not want”. God will provide. In this Christmas season we should remember, God’s gift to us, His Son. In sending Christ to live, die and be raised, God’s gift was and is the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit. He’s taken every step for our salvation and eternal life but one. We have to present ourselves to Jesus with contrite hearts and accept Christ as our Savior. One step, that’s all he left us. What a loving God, to love us so much.

This, the eve if Christmas. God is about to fulfill the prophesy of sending us a king that will be like no other. He will be above all other kings, and His kingdom will know now boundaries. He will rule over everyone. He will have godly power but with a love like no other. He will sacrifice himself with only one purpose in mind, to save us from ourselves. Again, God is sending part of himself to dwell with us, to feel our pain and heal us through His sacrificial blood, that we may have eternal life and dwell with Him. Oh, what a love!

Heavenly Father, I give thanks to you for your gift of Jesus Christ. Your neverending love, grace and mercies you have provided, that I might be with you some day. May I live my life such that it is pleasing to you. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, there is none like you. I seek to live my life, shouting to the world how great you are. Your faithfulness is like the shepherd and his sheep. You guide, comfort, provide and protect me. Thank you Lord for your boundless love, in Christ’s name I pray, Amen. https://youtu.be/gn5CMSSAx_c