The LORD “IS,…”

1.- MY PRESENT TENSE SHEPHERD. ” The LORD IS my Shepherd I shall not want …,”- Psalm 23:1. He “IS” a moment by moment present tense Shepherd. He “IS” always present, you are never alone. “He makes me lie down in green pastures beside still waters.” Sheep, I have read will not lie down unless they are secure, full, satisfied, content. He compares us to sheep. For who needs a Shepherd, but sheep! And we have the LORD, Creator of Heaven and earth, in whom nothing is impossible with and He “IS” your present tense Shepherd!

2.- MY GUARDIAN SHEPHERD. ” Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.” – 1 Peter 2:5. Our soul is safe with The Shepherd. Nothing or no one can sever us from His Love. We are held in the nail scarred hands and no one can pluck you from His grip. He is the keeper and protector of your soul.

3. – MY GOOD ( means “Beautiful, Noble”) SHEPHERD.” I am the good Shepherd.The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. “- John 10; 11. Oh How “beautiful” this aspect. That He the “Beautiful Shepherd ” should choose to lay down His life for you so that  you may not die in your sin!

4. – MY GREAT SHEPHERD.“Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,”- Hebrews 13: 20. “Great” in triumph over sin, satan, death!  How “great” your salvation. How “great,” your Shepherd! Greater than sin, satan, death. None could or can defeat Him.

5.- THE CHIEF SHEPHERD.“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”- 1 Peter 5:4. He is Pre-eminent. He is coming again!

The LORD Is your Personal, permanent, present tense, providing Shepherd. He is permanently with you!

No matter who walks out on you, or leaves, He is eternally here to stay!

He is your Guardian Shepherd who protects your soul. Your beautiful, Good Shepherd who laid his life down for you. Your Great Shepherd who was raised from the dead for you, to justify you, God raised Him from the dead accepting His sacrifice on your behalf! Your Chief Shepherd who will come to get you to receive you to Himself.

THINK on these Five marks of the Shepherd. Perhaps pick a verse a week, write on a 3 by 5 card and carry with you and commit to memory, meditate and use in your praising Him and sharing with others of the aspects of the Shepherding Lord.

THANK Him for each truth. TRUST Him.

TELL SOMEONE ELSE of the Five Marks of the LORD, who IS  your Shepherd. Encourage them and Remind them of Him!

“The LORD IS  my  Shepherd,”