The Great Shepherd

"...We are His people and the sheep of His pasture."
– Psalm 100:3

Several Psalms of praise lead up to what has been called “Old One Hundredth.” The words in this Psalm reflect many of the previous Psalms that celebrate God’s rule (Psalm 93; 95-99). These verses are a call for praise to God because He is the Creator and is sovereign. The Lord’s people were not to be quiet in their praise. In-fact, people everywhere were being exhorted to shout to the Lord (Psalm 96:1; Psalm 97:1; Psalm 98:4).

This is written to the Nation of Israel, God is their shepherd. This fact is also a truth for us today. Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:14-16). The distinction between Jew and Gentile has disappeared. In Christ, we are made one.

Jesus did not only have the Nation of Israel in mind when He was headed to the cross. His heart of compassion went out to all people. The Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, died, was buried, and resurrected on the third day for you and me. When we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become the sheep of His pasture. We are His when we have been washed by the blood of eternal covenant (Hebrews 13:20).

"The human race has always been on a quest for truth and acceptance, yet men and women must accept the One who is the truth. Jesus Christ extends His long arm of salvation to all."
– Billy Graham