When we read about the offering of lambs in the Old Testament, we probably do not think much about shepherds. We usually focus on some aspect of sacrifice and make connections to Jesus or to Christians. On the other hand, when we consider passages about shepherds and shepherding, we probably do not think much about altars and sacrifices. We tend to focus on the vulnerability of sheep and the role of the shepherd as it applies to our relationship with God. All of this is fine. It accords with scripture.

Isn’t it amazing that the shepherd knows his sheep, each one? That close relationship demands careful attention on the part of the shepherd.

The shepherd spends time with his sheep providing care and assistance. He recognizes and wards off potential trouble before it can become a serious threat. He spends his time away from the sheep in search of good pasture and clean water.

When a sheep wanders off, the shepherd leaves the flock to search for the lost sheep. The good shepherd cares deeply for his sheep. So...

Why Keep Sheep?

Have you ever thought about the connection between the shepherd and the sacrifice?

It would be easier if we simply considered the shepherd as a dealer in wool. Every season he would shear his sheep and sell the wool in order to make a living. However, this would leave an incomplete picture.

A shepherd eats his sheep. He also takes the best of his sheep to offer as a sacrifice to God. During the time of Jesus some shepherds would sell some of their sheep to provide Passover lambs for travelers who could not supply their own.

A cow is sold or slaughtered. It has value, but it is a cow. A sheep is sold or slaughtered or sacrificed but it has a name and is known by its shepherd. So...

Why keep sheep?

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Spirit of God visibly descended and remained on Him. It was a sign from God: The one on whom the Spirit descends and remains; this one is the Son of God. (John 1:29-33) God then announced Jesus as His Son, in whom He was well-pleased. (Matthew 3:17)

The next day John was with two of his disciples and he saw Jesus and said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” (John 1:34-35) “Lamb of God” is not a title or a name. It indicates a relationship. Jesus was the lamb that belonged to God; God’s lamb.

Not only was God the Shepherd for King David but also for Jesus of Nazareth.

There was a year in history that was different from all other years. That year, at the Jewish Passover, a most unique sacrifice was offered: The only Lamb of the Great Shepherd. God took his Lamb in whom He was so pleased, and He presented His Lamb as a sacrifice, not for His guilt, but for the sins of the world. His Lamb was not a dumb wooly animal, but His own Son who was devoted to the will of the Father. His Lamb did not go to the ‘altar of sacrifice’ (the cross) unwillingly, but yielded Himself to the Great Shepherd. In that way the Great Shepherd offered His only Lamb as the perfect and supreme sacrifice for all mankind for all ages.

It is amazing to think that The Shepherd is still in the sheep business. But that was the real reason for His sacrifice. He sacrificed His beloved Lamb for all those who were lost. The Great Shepherd loved the sheep in such a way that He gave up His one precious Lamb to go in search of the ninety-nine who were lost.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Mark Stinnett

December 8, 2024

My cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, 

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

—Psalm 23:5-6

The shepherd David viewed himself as a sheep in the care of the Great Shepherd. After considering all the care, provision, and protection of the Great Shepherd he could draw only one conclusion: My cup overflows.

While the word “cup” is often used in scripture to indicate trials, it is used here to describe bountiful blessings given by God. His cup was not merely filled with enough, his cup was not merely full to the brim, his cup overflowed, being unable to contain all the blessings being poured out by the Great Shepherd. Such was the condition of this sheep...for now.

The final verse in this beautiful psalm completes the picture by looking forward, even to eternity.

The word ‘follow’ more often describes the action of ‘falling in behind someone in order to go where they lead.’ Sheep follow their shepherd. However, in this verse it is not the sheep that is following. The sheep is being followed, or more accurately according to the Hebrew, it is being pursued.

Generally, this term was used in the Psalms to describe the enemies of David as they pursued him.  If you were to tell a shepherd that something or someone was in pursuit of his sheep, he would automatically think of the natural enemies of sheep: wolves, mountain lions, etc.

The greater danger was that the pursuit was continual. The enemy of the sheep would not give up until its hunger was satisfied.

An amazing contrast is seen in the life of the sheep in the flock of the Great Shepherd. The Psalmist describes a pursuit, but not by an enemy. Instead, the sheep of the Great Shepherd are chased by goodness and lovingkindness. These two are in hot pursuit and will not give up until their hunger is satisfied. The scene in our minds is almost comical as we picture the  embodiment of goodness in hot pursuit continually overflowing the cup of the sheep.

Lovingkindness describes the love of God that motivated Him to make covenant promises to Abraham. At the same time it is the guarantee that He will never break His promises. It is a steadfast love on which the sheep knows it can rely. And this love is in pursuit of the sheep!

As if that is not enough, the final statement conveys a scene that transcends anything our minds can comprehend. Words like infinite, endless, eternal, everlasting, and forever are easily used, yet we cannot possibly understand beyond a trite acceptance of dictionary definitions. How can we truly understand endlessness!?

We can begin counting until we exhaust our language of words to name the next number. Yet the next number exists even if we cannot name it; it is one value beyond the last and there is always another. Eventually, we must simply turn our attention elsewhere because the finality of endlessness does not exist. Perhaps as we consider this thought we would do well to leave off the period at the end of the psalm.

It is within this framework of endlessness that David describes his life in the presence of God. He will not live in a physical structure such as the earthly tabernacle or temple where God’s presence was seen on earth. Rather, he will go to have permanent residence in the true house of God…without end...eternal rest...eyes open...

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord... forever…

Mark Stinnett

December 1, 2024

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.

—Psalms 23:5

What does a ‘prepared table’ bring to mind?

You probably did not imagine a picnic with a blanket on the ground or a hot dog and drink at a ball game. Whether it is a formal or informal occasion, a ‘prepared table’ is one that has been properly set for a planned meal.

To keep this passage in context, the writer is a shepherd yet reflecting on himself as a sheep under the care of the Great Shepherd, God. So, how does a shepherd prepare a ‘table’ for his sheep?

The ancient shepherds would lead their flock to good pastureland. In late summer the pastureland might be in the high mountain elevations. This land was known as tableland, or in our culture, mesas. (Our English word ‘mesa’ is borrowed from the Spanish language; it means ‘table.’)

Before leading his sheep to the tableland, a shepherd would make a trip alone to survey the land. He would determine where the sheep would graze and for how long. He would note water sources and plan grazing patterns accordingly.

He would not simply look over the land from a distance but would walk through the tableland. He would search out poisonous plants and eliminate them. He would also take note of areas where predators would most likely hide. Then, just before leading his sheep to the tableland, he would return to clean leaves and brush from the water source to ensure clean and accessible water.

Because of his careful planning and diligent preparation, his sheep would find safe pasture.

Our Shepherd has already gone before us and has prepared the way. Our enemy, Satan, is ever present waiting for an opportunity when we are weak or wandering. Yet, as long as we remain close to the Shepherd, we will have comfort and bountiful blessings, in spite of the presence of our enemy.

During summertime sheep would often be pestered by flying insects. One particular kind of fly would attempt to lay eggs in the moist mucus around the nose. The hatched larvae could infest the nasal passages of a sheep causing misery. For relief sheep would beat their heads against trees or rocks and rub them in the soil. Left untreated, the larvae could cause blindness in sheep.

The solution: The shepherd would mix a salve to place on the head of the sheep. Or, as the Psalmist wrote: “You have anointed my head with oil.”

Sheep were also treated with oil, even dipped in oil, for a disease called scab. It was caused by a microscopic parasite and was highly contagious. Once contracted it could devastate an entire flock.

How does our Great Shepherd “anoint our heads with oil”? Most likely it is through the Holy Spirit. In baptism we are promised the ‘gift of the Holy Spirit’ in addition to our cleansing from sin. God’s word was delivered through the Spirit. The Spirit also intercedes for us in our prayers. He undoubtedly assists us in ways unknown to us.

As long as we accept his “anointing” we will be free of the parasite of sin and evil. Yet, we are often like a sheep that twists its head refusing the oil. When we refuse the guidance and correction of God’s word or when we refuse to submit to God’s instruction, we have refused his Spirit.

We will find contentment at the feast God provides, but only if we submit completely to God and to His word allowing his Spirit to work in us.

Anything less rejects the Great Shepherd’s protection and is sure to grieve the Spirit of God.

Mark Stinnett

November 24, 2024

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

I fear no evil, for You are with me; 

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

--Psalm 23:4

Fear is a powerful motivator often generating a ‘fight or flight’ response. However, there can be such terrible fear that a person is paralyzed. We might call that kind of fear, dread.

Fear drains the emotions, fatigues the mind, crushes the will, and even saps energy from the body. Unpredictable reactions and poor choices are common.

In the 23^rd Psalm David described yet another response to fear, but not to fear in general, the fear of evil. The poor economy might shake us up as it threatens our vacation plans, career, or retirement. Health issues can certainly cause fear. We might feel pressures in our home life or at work and, as a result, fear the potential negative results. But evil? Ha! Why fear evil?

In general, people do not seem to fear evil, perhaps out of arrogant confidence, but probably more out of ignorance. We are more like a small child in a canoe idly drifting toward a waterfall not comprehending its devastating power. We prefer not to think about evil and its power in our lives.

Satan does not pound at our door announcing himself and his evil intentions. He is subtle and quiet as he offers enticements difficult for us to refuse. If we would simply reflect on our past, we would acknowledge how sin and evil have had control over us. We should fear evil, and yet….

David wrote, “I fear no evil.” He must have known the terror of evil and its incredible strength. Yet, he had no fear because he took comfort in someone who was stronger and able to provide protection from evil, someone able to provide safety.

The shepherd’s rod was a tool used against predators, but it was also used to discipline sheep. The rod represents God’s protection of his sheep from the evil one.

The Apostle Paul wrote that God would not allow anyone to be tempted beyond what he was able to endure. That tells us that temptations do exist that God knows will certainly overpower us. So, He will not allow those temptations.

Paul also wrote that God would provide a way of escape for the temptations He does allow. So, when there are appealing enticements, we can know that God is confident that we can overcome the temptation. He will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trial.

The Hebrew writer encouraged Christians to have a good attitude regarding the discipline of God. Though discipline is not pleasant, it is for our good. The purpose of discipline is always to restore. Our Great Shepherd uses the rod of discipline to protect us and restore us.

The staff uniquely identifies a shepherd and is used to lead and work the sheep. The staff is virtually an extension of the shepherd’s arm. He uses it to gently pick up lambs and place them with their mother, to nudge sheep before they can wander off, and even to make simple contact with a sheep. In the latter case it is not unlike a father walking side-by-side with his child. The simple touch conveys safety and acceptance.

The rod and staff together represent the Great Shepherd’s contact with his sheep. Whether through a painful lesson learned with the rod of discipline or the gentle reminder of his presence with his staff, our Shepherd is ever near, protecting, guiding, training, leading, and comforting His sheep in the face of danger. With God as our shepherd, there is no reason to fear evil. We can awaken each day with confidence as he leads us in safety to our spiritual home.

Mark Stinnett

November 17, 2024

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

There is a sweet and refreshing sound to the idea of restoration. When friends drift apart or experience friction in their relationship, how wonderful the occasion is when the relationship is restored.

Two college friends are reacquainted after 20 years. There is a warm embrace and the reminiscence of old times. They share stories of family, career, old friends and new, twenty years of life. They are each thrilled to share past accomplishments but also the sorrow and pain of life’s trials. They laugh ‘til they cry as one remembers her own childish immaturity or an almost forgotten embarrassment. Compelled only by time or circumstances, they part company with a heavy sigh...and they both agree, “We can’t let another twenty years pass! We must stay in touch.”

This last statement illustrates the restoration is a new beginning. Realizing this same truth, David begged God to assist him beyond the beginning of the restoration of his soul:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And sustain me with a willing spirit. 

(Psalm 51)

David realized that a clean heart was only the beginning, so also, restored salvation. He needed something that would sustain him beyond the initial cleansing. He needed continued assistance.

The shepherd-king affirms one way in which God assures assistance beyond restoration. In the 23^rd Psalm David wrote:

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

The Great Shepherd understands the human dilemma. He understands that a one-time cleansing is insufficient. So, he leads us on a path that will keep our relationship with him pure.

From the beginning of time, it was God’s intent that mankind walk in righteousness. In simple terms, righteousness is doing what is right. Yet it is a reflection of the very character of God. That is to say that God is, in Himself, altogether righteous. As a part of His divine nature God does not ponder over the meaning of righteousness. He does not try to be righteous. By his own character He is the essence of righteousness.

For God to expect or demand righteousness on the part of man is nothing less than a call for us to be like Him. As the Great Shepherd leads us in the paths of righteousness, He is leading us in such a way that we will mature according to His character. Ultimately, we will, by nature, do that which is good and right, fulfilling the goal of restoration.

He does this for His name’s sake. The simple idea is this: If God did not restore souls, and if God did not lead us in paths of righteousness, then the accusation could be made that He did not care for His sheep. Yet that contradicts His nature of love.

For His name’s sake indicates that His actions have truly preserved His name and His character. He is right in showing mercy and grace, because He is the very essence and definition of love.

People may ponder or wonder about the wrath of God, eternal punishment, and the existence of hell. But no one can possibly doubt God’s compassion and love. He has demonstrated these qualities in His divine character, when...

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the paths of righteousness.

For His name’s sake.

Mark Stinnett

November 10, 2024

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul… (Psalm 23:1-3)

Sheep can wander off from the flock and sustain injury or become easy prey. Another frequent danger for sheep is becoming cast down. A sheep is cast down, or cast, when it lies down to rest and shifts its weight so that it rolls slightly, drawing its feet off the ground. When a sheep realizes this predicament it will panic by working its legs and body in an effort to stand up. If help does not come in time, the sheep will die.

A shepherd is well aware of the dangers of cast sheep and wandering sheep. He constantly looks for signs of trouble. He will look to the sky for signs of circling buzzards whose eyes are also looking for signs...of dinner. The shepherd will frequently count his sheep to insure that none are missing. If there are signs of predators or a missing sheep, the shepherd will immediately go in search of the helpless sheep in order to restore it to the flock under his watchful eye.

There is an interesting human parallel to the sheep that is cast down. The human dilemma is that of being ‘downcast.’ An individual can be going along life’s way only to fall into desperate circumstances: job loss, family troubles, financial stress, frustration with fellow Christians, problems at work, health issues, death of a loved one, etc. These can bring about a loss of self worth, increased anxiety, a sense of lostness, a burden of guilt, or other negative feelings. It is easy to panic and in frustration lash out at friends and family. These feelings can lead a person into a pit of despair and self-pity. Having given up hope some have even given themselves over to a ‘sinning spree.’

Like sheep that wander off, we can easily wander spiritually. There may be no real ‘life drama,’ we simply lose focus on the truly important things, or become distracted by the world. Little by little we veer off God’s path. When we stop and look up, we can be frightened by our lostness.

We are sheep, prone to wander, and easily frightened by the worries of this life. But our God is the Great Shepherd who restores souls.

————————————

A store manager calls over the intercom for the mother of a crying child who has wandered off. Their reunion is a mixture of hugs and kisses along with a tender scolding: “You MUST stay close to mommy,” (hug). “I was worried about you,” (kiss). “Don’t run off from mommy, I love you.”

Love and rebuke in the same breath: Restored.

God warned Israel of the bold and harsh discipline that he would use if they turned away to other gods. Yet with every level of escalating discipline there was tender encouragement promising that He would accept them when they returned to Him. (Read Leviticus 26.)

Jesus seemed harsh when he rebuked Peter: “Get behind me Satan.” He seemed so ‘matter-of-fact’ when he foretold Peter’s denial. Yet, Jesus restored his soul as he commissioned Peter with the task of shepherding His sheep.

The father of the prodigal son represents God. The son was always His son: when he left home, when he was lost, when he returned. We are the son.

Our God is the faithful and loving shepherd who, aware of all external dangers as well as our own personal problems and frustrations, watches over us. He finds us and He puts us back on our feet. Restoration is not about what we do, but about God’s acceptance of us when we are weak and downcast. However, restoration is possible only if we turn to God in humility and faith. Then, we will regain our strength because...

   He restores my soul.

Mark Stinnett

November 3, 2024

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters.

—Psalm 23:1-2

Good pastureland may be found at higher elevations at one time of the year and in valleys at another time. The shepherd must take the initiative to find good pasture and then lead the sheep to that place. Without his guidance sheep will graze continually on the same land eating the grass down to the root. The sheep will then become malnourished and sickly. In addition, the land itself will suffer. So, locating good pasture is not only for the present good of the sheep, but by proper land management, it is for their future good.

The Psalmist writes that the shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures. The phrase, makes me, should not be understood in the same way that a parent might make a child clean his room. The Hebrew term indicates cause, not force. It draws attention to the role of the shepherd: The shepherd causes this to happen. He does so by first searching out the green pasture and then leading the sheep to that place. The shepherd brings about this good result, not the sheep.

The shepherd will also be busy searching out good, clean water sources. Without his careful attention, sheep might stop and drink from a mud puddle even when a clean water source is within view.

Because sheep are so easily frightened, the shepherd avoids a stream or river where the water is too swift. Quiet, or restful, waters will promote the well-being of the sheep.

Are you easily agitated or filled with anxiety over your basic needs in this life? Financial difficulties weigh heavily on many people in volatile economic times. There is the fear of a shrinking job pool, college education for the kids, saving for retirement, and care for aging parents. Stress also comes from day-to-day demands involving relationship challenges in the home and at work, sickness or injury, the car, the house, aging, unpredictable disasters, etc.

Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Later, in the same sermon, he taught that we should not worry about food and  drink and clothing. Those are the worries of the people of the world who have only themselves to lean on. Difficult challenges are sure to visit the lives of each one of us. The question is whether we will remain steadfast in our faith in God. He will take care of us.

Like King David, we are helpless sheep who are easily agitated and frightened by the circumstances of life.

Have you wandered off into self-dependence yet find it impossible to maintain control your life. If so, it is time to refocus your eyes on the Good Shepherd. Give yourself over to Him and He will supply rich spiritual pastureland. Drink from the Living Water of Jesus Christ and find answers, find contentment, and find rest through the Holy Spirit of God.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

How does this work!?

God has made you a promise without telling you exactly how he will keep it. You must trust that God will keep his promise.

Mark Stinnett

October 27, 2024

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

You undoubtedly recognize the first verse of the familiar 23^rd Psalm, a psalm written by King David. Before he was a king, while still young, David was trained to take care of his father’s sheep. That training involved the sheep, of course, but also personal training with the rod and staff, the tools of the professional shepherd.

Artwork often depicts docile animals with a shepherd sitting under a shade tree by a calm stream, happily meditating on...whatever shepherds meditate on. While there would be times of tranquility, the job of the shepherd was not a bed of ease. When his sheep were secure and out of harm’s way, he would often be out searching for green pasture and fresh water. Along his journey he would be in constant thought about the path over which he would lead his sheep. He would be aware of obstacles and potential dangers, his mind always reflecting upon the good of the sheep.

When with his sheep he would watch for potential problems. He would take inventory frequently in case one wandered off. He would constantly scan his surroundings for potential predators. The shepherd would have long tiring days and his nightly sleep could be interrupted at any moment by predators or thieves or even a startled sheep.

The shepherd was provider and protector, leader and disciplinarian. He looked beyond the present moment and place, providing security and comfort even when the sheep could not see and understand his actions and thoughts. He knew his sheep, and the sheep knew the one who deeply cared for them.

Sheep are commonly depicted in artwork as soft, playful, clean, and calm creatures. In reality, they are dirty, stinking animals that are easily agitated. They can become nervous if other sheep are too close. They are easily frightened by an unfamiliar sound or quick movement, and especially the presence of a predator.

A sheep might find a comfortable place in a field and fiercely defend its position. It might also graze aimlessly, wandering off and becoming lost.

Sheep might drink from a muddy puddle with a clean water source within view. They are known to be easy prey for their adversaries. Sheep are dumb.

In one sense it is a marvel that David declared that he had a shepherd. In doing so, he declared himself to be a dumb, stinking, helpless sheep. Of all the animals he could have chosen, the sheep is among the least flattering. And yet, he was not writing about sheep, and he was not writing about himself. He knew his own helplessness, and he recognized the Lord as his Shepherd.

He did not declare ‘God’ to be his shepherd. He did not write ‘Master’ or the Hebrew word for ‘Lord.’ He wrote God’s name. He enjoyed a personal and intimate relationship with his God.

It is the nature of sheep to know their master’s voice to the exclusion of any other. The same is true with David. In declaring his God to be his shepherd, he excluded all other gods. Nothing else would be his master. He would hear only the voice of God.

The entire psalm is contained in the first line. David named his God as his shepherd and then declared his contentment. With God as his shepherd he would be nourished, protected, and disciplined. Even when he could not see or understand the way, he would have confidence in his Shepherd and his Shepherd’s leadership.

Reflecting on the first verse of Psalm 23, can you see yourself as the stinking, helpless sheep? Can you say...The Lord is my shepherd?

Mark Stinnett

October 20, 2024

Many people in our day have misunderstood God’s calling. They consider every ‘calling’ in the New Testament to be similar to the way Jesus individually called the apostles to follow Him. With the apostles, He did indeed pick them out by name from among His followers.

Some people think that God’s omniscience, His divine quality of being all-knowing, means that no one really chooses Jesus. Rather, God has pre-chosen each follower of Jesus. After all, He knows beforehand whether you are a follower of Jesus.

The flaw in this reasoning is just that, it is human reasoning. Human reasoning is applied to things beyond creation, things beyond the scope of man’s understanding.

While it is true that there are some passages of Scripture that are difficult to explain because, on the surface, they sound like God arbitrarily chose those who would follow Jesus, they must harmonize with all other Scripture. It is apparent from many Scriptures that God does not hand-pick anyone to follow Jesus. He did not choose you or me before our birth as if to say we had no choice but to follow Jesus.

This kind of thinking is disastrous. It would say to a person who has come to faith in Jesus and who follows Jesus with all their heart that they might not be among the ones preselected. For that reason, they are doomed!

The early Christians endured mocking, “Where is the promise of His coming?” The Apostle Peter reminded his readers, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:3-9) That does not sound like God chose some to be saved but did not choose others. He wishes for ALL to come to repentance.

The Apostle Paul wrote that we who are Christians are saints by calling (1 Corinthians 1:2). That means that we are not saints by arbitrary choice, or individual choice, or by divine decree. It means that God has called us to be followers of Jesus. Then he leaves it up to each individual to respond to His call.

It really is as simple as an advertisement on television or that you receive in your email or that you see on a huge billboard along the highway. The advertisement is a call to everyone hearing or seeing the ad. It is an invitation to accept the offer. There may be terms to fulfill. There may be something to buy. It may be a limited time offer. Whatever the case, the offer is made and nothing is final until YOU make a decision and respond to the ad. You must answer the call.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) He did not qualify His offer. It was extended to ALL people.

God really does want every person to turn to Him. He extends His arms of love to all. He offers forgiveness and acceptance to all. His mercy and grace are extended to us by calling.

Some people like to say that our salvation is all Jesus, that we can do nothing to receive salvation. Even the grocery store teaches us that we have to respond to the sale ad to receive the gracious benefit being offered.

God has done everything. He has provided a sacrificial Lamb as an offering for our sins. And He has called us to follow Jesus.

Saints by calling: 

   God has called.

   We must responded.

Mark Stinnett

December 22, 2024