We shall view Christ in the office of a shepherd and the first passage we read sets before us faith proving Christ in that office accepting him, trusting him, following him.
Psalms 23:1-2. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Can you say that for yourself, dear friend? There is the sweetness of it. The words in themselves are noble, but it is the experimental acquaintance with their meaning which is the real honey of life. If thou canst use these words, and lay the emphasis upon the personal pronoun, thou art one of the happiest out of heaven.
Psalms 23:3-6. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: 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. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
There is the believer realizing Christ in that gracious office as the shepherd of his people. Now let us see how our glorious Shepherd is set forth in prophecy.
This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 23:1; Isaiah 40:9-11; Ezekiel 34:11-25.