READ: Revelation 21:3-7
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.“ – Ephesians 2:13
The statement, “The Lord is my shepherd” is a deep revelation of how a shepherd actually owns the sheep. The lordship of a shepherd reveals the absolute ownership that the shepherd has over the sheep. Because of this powerful ownership, he is able to lead, guide and restore his sheep. He delivers many benefits to the sheep because they are his very own property.
On every farm and in every country, every single sheep or cow belongs to someone. That person is the owner and chief shepherd of the sheep.
“The Lord is my (owner) shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me (guidance) in the paths of righteousness…I will fear no evil (discouragement): for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over (abundant provision)…I will dwell in the house of the Lord (my shepherd) forever (permanence)” (Psalm 23).
Unfortunately, some sheep do not receive the lordship of the shepherd over their lives. This cuts them off from the power and love of the shepherd. They inadvertently “shoot themselves in the foot” by disconnecting themselves from their powerful protector. In the ministry, people who cut themselves from their shepherd simply wither and fade into obscurity.