Meet Derek Mathews

Two years ago, I was tired. My life was running at a pace my soul could not keep up with. I kept saying "yes" to things at work while my plate kept getting fuller. Before long, my time with the Lord became something on a list. After that, it became lackluster. I was so focused making a living that I forgot what it meant to really live. I was a pastor, a “shepherd of God’s people,” and I was unable to shepherd my own life. I needed a better shepherd—a good shepherd.

All of us long for someone to lead us by providing for our deepest needs and protecting us from our greatest fears. Sadly, many of us try to find that in ourselves. We try to lead our own lives, believing that we alone can provide for and protect ourselves. Sooner or later, our provisions run out. Sooner or later, something comes up from which we cannot protect ourselves. We all need a better shepherd—a good shepherd.

In Psalm 23, David declares that he has found such a shepherd in the Lord. David is most likely writing this psalm later in his life. He has seen highs and lows, victories and defeats, green pastures and dark valleys. As he reflects on his life, he sees how the Lord alone provides for his greatest needs (Psalm 23:1-3) and protects him from his greatest fears (Psalm 23:4-6). God is the God of provision and protection. He is the good shepherd.

In John 10, Jesus claims this title for Himself. Jesus is the good shepherd who provides and protects. He provided our deepest need of rescue by dying on the cross for our sin. He protected us from our greatest fear of death by rising to life. True provision and true protection are only found in Him.

Two years ago, I was tired in every sense of the word. In that valley, God showed me how to rest in His provision and protection in my life. He did this with me. He does this with all who call His Son “the good shepherd.”