September 23, 2009
Are EWE His?
Psalm 100
Anne Rodgers
Central Truth
The Lord provides and cares for us as our shepherd, and we should love Him with the utmost loyalty.
Key Verse | Psalm 100:3
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we belong to him;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
(Psalm 100:3)
Psalm 100
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
A Psalm for giving thanks.
1
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
2
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
3
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
1
100:3
Or and not we ourselves
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 100
Imagine sheep in a pasture. Maybe you've been on a farm or in your travels seen serene green pastures dotted with flecks of white. To me, there is peace in knowing that God counts me as one of His sheep.
Most people think of sheep as timid and brainless creatures. But in researching these docile animals, I found that they are gregarious--sticking to their group--and help limit the spread of weeds. Now, how does that relate to us? Well, if you are a child of God, then you, too, should be characterized in this way: part of a herd, while helping control weeds.
Some consider being with God a weak and brainless move. I consider it a privilege to be part of a flock (church body), surrounded by others who love our Savior, the Good Shepherd. I remember tough times living in New York City. I was surrounded by people, yet I was lonely and wished for life to be full and meaningful. Now, life is more abundant, and I am thankful for the family/community that God has provided me.
Another "sheepish" characteristic of living among the flock is working together to help rid our pasture of destructive weeds, or sins, that pop up. Being a part of a flock that looks out for these weeds is key. There's nothing weak and brainless about sifting through your weaknesses with the Lord's guidance and with the help of community.
Finally, how joyful I am knowing that God made us all and that we belong to Him. He does everything for us. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 26:12 (NIV), "Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." Knowing this makes me want to love and praise Him more and more, constantly acknowledging in my heart and with my mouth that He is God. And you know what? While we sing praises about our Lord, He is also singing over us. (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV) What a beautiful picture! Our Good Shepherd singing over us, His flock.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know without a doubt that you belong to the Good Shepherd? Are you His?
2. Are you a wayward sheep, or are you peacefully grazing in the pasture of God's love with His people?
3. How often do you acknowledge that He is God in your own heart or verbally as you go about your daily tasks?
4. Read 2 Peter 1:3-11. How does that encourage you to either start your journey with God or to walk more fully with Him as your shepherd?