They needed a Shepherd to guide them
“For they were like sheep without a shepherd”
By Steve Hall
There is no spiritual plateau upon which we can rest. The Shepherd is always on the move, leading to greener pastures and fresher waters. The blessings belong to us but we must keep following if we wish to claim them. A spiritual “more” is always within reach.
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews13:15-17, 20-21
Mark 6:30-40
The list of favors and prerogatives listed in the twenty-third Psalm would suggest that all of these blessings are given as a birthright; and the list is remarkable.
I shall not want.
The Lord gives me food, water, and rest.
He gives me whatever guidance I need.
His protection is so great, so strong, so powerful that I fear nothing.
His provisions for me are plentiful.
He anoints me as if I’m a king.
Goodness and kindness are mine as is peace within my spirit.
All these are mine!
The word ‘Entitlement’ may have negative connotations in today’s world; but for those in Christ the great things listed in this Psalm belong to me as a birthright. Is it any wonder that the author of Hebrews prays?:
“May the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep by the Blood of the eternal covenant, furnish you with all that is good, that you may do his will. May he carry out in you what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”
Is it any wonder that Jesus’ heart was moved with pity when he saw the crowd?
“for they were like sheep without a shepherd.”
Like sheep without a shepherd! Yet these were God’s own, his chosen people. They were entitled to benefit from all the declarations made in that Psalm. But still, they needed to “dwell in the house of the LORD” and they needed a Shepherd to guide them there. So too with us.
We are God’s chosen.
We are entitled.
There is no spiritual plateau upon which we can rest. The Shepherd is always on the move, leading to greener pastures and fresher waters. The blessings belong to us but we must keep following if we wish to claim them. A spiritual “more” is always within reach.