Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 RESURRECTED LORD, THE CO-TRAVELER 

PSALM 23
Vs 4   For you are with me, Your rod and  your staff they comfort me
             
Psalm 23 is a favorite Psalm of many. In Psalm 23, King David speaks quite personally of God. He claims that the Lord is his shepherd. The Lord is his shepherd because he knows him. A good shepherd knows each and every sheep in the flock; regardless of how big the numbers could be (John 10:3-5). In psalm 23, when David uses the metaphor of the shepherd to describe God; talks not just about a designation or a name for the Lord, but the relationship between God and His covenant children. God knows each and everyone of us by our names and he is a co-traveler with us, wherever we go. Let me share some of my thoughts from psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd because He knows me.
This statement is actually as my shepherd is not used during that time. In ancient Israel was to speak only about “our” God. The God of Israel is also the God of individuals. God knows each and every one of our people by our names.
The Lord is my shepherd because He provides me
A sheep obviously cannot voice out their needs; yet the shepherd naturally knows the needs of each and every animal in the flock. God our creator is aware of our needs even before we ask Him. The shepherd draw water from the wells and give their sheep to drink. We don’t need to worry about our needs because just like the shepherd is aware of the needs of his flock and leads them to green pastures and still waters. Jesus advises us not to feel anxious about our needs and assures us that God will provide.
The Lord is my shepherd because He restores me
Sheep is a dump and innocent creature incapable of defending itself. Therefore a well-informed shepherd frequently scans his flock for any fallen animals and rushes to their aid. We are also incapable of defending ourselves against Satan’s schemes, especially because of the fallen nature that dominates our behavior. 
The Lord is our shepherd and He knows, provides and restores us. We don’t need to worry about anything. “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.” (Psalm 23:4). He is the co-traveler with us. Let us commit our lives in the hands of the good shepherd and he will carry us in his shoulders.

                                Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being my Good Shepherd and giving your life for me. Thank you for being a co-traveler with me in all my life situations. I am grateful that you know me and love me. Help me to follow you every day of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
 
Thought for the day
         Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us.

                          T. A. Mathew
          Trinity Mar Thoma Church, Houston

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