Page 26 - Radical Love by Linda Robinson

SESSION 1 : Who is This Shepherd-King?

helpless, defenceless sheep to himself. Thankfully, our Shepherd has

His rod (Psalm 23:4) - the rod of supreme authority and power (See
also Isaiah 30:31) - and this is a mighty offensive weapon against every

predator that would attempt to steal His precious lambs.

This instrument is approximately two and a half feet in length, with a

rounded, mace-like end into which metals and nails are driven to make

it even more lethal. One good blow from this weapon is more often than
not sufficient to deal with any ferocious enemy.

Therefore, as sheep, we have one job: to stay close to the Shepherd, so
that we are always within earshot of His voice—and to listen, trust, and

obey. This will ensure our absolute peace even in the fiercest storms of

life.

The final part of verse 1 says: ‘I shall not want’. These are the words

of someone fully convinced of the dependability, faithfulness, and
goodness of God. Furthermore, only those who have a deep

experiential connection can say and live by them. Let’s pause here and

reflect for a moment. As we have journeyed with the Lord on His path
for our lives, have we ever perceived ourselves to be in want,

deficiency, or lack of anything? I think the honest answer would be a
resounding yes from all of us. But is this stance correct? David thought

not. I believe that when we choose to follow Jesus, there is no actual
‘want’ at all, because He Himself is our ‘all-sufficient one’ (El

Shaddai). No matter what situation we find ourselves in, Jesus will

always be enough. The perception of being in want often stems from

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