Psalm 16:1-2, full orchestration!

My Shepherd met me in His green pastures, musing over Abijah and Asa in 2 Chronicles 12-13. I noticed that the Spirit declared Rehoboam did evil in his days (12:14), and his grandson, Asa, did “that which was good and right” (14:2), but in the Chronicles, Abijah didn’t receive a report card. It is filed in 1 Kings 15:3, under another name, Abijam: “his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father.”

However, a little later in my devotions, my Shepherd moved my heart in Luke 15, pondering the Shepherd who left the ninety and nine to seek out and recover the one (Luke 15:4-10).

Along the still waters, I thought about how often one of His sheep strayed, and I reached out only to get bit, kicked, butted, and stepped on, and broken-hearted, had to return with empty arms, failing to recover the stubborn, pride-filled, and rebellious sheep. It grieves me for many reasons and on many levels. But one thing nagged at the back of my mind: why is it that this wonderful story of the shepherd dedicating himself to the interests and concerns of the one wandering sheep ends so well, and so often my own ends so poorly? I thought the Shepherd in this story must be Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.

The Spirit guided me through the sheepfold of my memories and pointed to the many faithful lambs and full-grown sheep I have had the pleasure to serve. He reminded me of the many that have wandered and were recovered. He reminded me that one of the important lessons of this story is the fact that the shepherd’s attention is drawn to the lost one, compelling him to “leave the ninety and nine” to find it. He exhorted me, however, don’t forget the ninety and nine.

But then, and it seemed sudden, the voice of many waters spoke to me. Jerry, I AM the Chief Shepherd. I came calling my own to repentance, and they refused: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23:37). They gnashed on me too (Acts 7:54 with 9:5; see Psalm 35:16). They rewarded my love with spite, and spittle (Mark 10:34; 14:65; 15:19), they crowned my head with thorns (Matthew 27:29), and nailed me to a Cross (John 20:25).

In the Valley, I knelt in the shadow of His Cross and heard the echo of Christ’s heart: “Father, forgive them.” On the ignorant and foolish! Have mercy! The evil, murderous, and cruel condemn. The shepherd rejoices when the sinner repents and is restored because so many that stray are destroyed

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Every pastor (meaning shepherd) must take up his cross if he will follow the Chief Shepherd.

At the table, my Shepherd encouraged me, saying, Never forget the rejoicing of Heaven over the one that repents—stay focused on those who are found and delivered. Remember, it was for the “joy” that was set before Me that I endured the Cross for you!

He anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. We walked together into the harvest, goodness and mercy following close.

Praying for revival! 🙏