Lessons from a shepherd...

Currently, we are going over Psalm 23 in church. I was told some interesting things about that psalm in relation to actual shepherding, and I have seen with my own eyes some other characteristics of sheep that explain how we as people are described as such in the Bible. I may add more as Bro. Gary goes along, but here is what I've learned thus far:

1 "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."
Sheep are totally dependant upon the shepherd. Sheep are not very bright creatures. Without a leader, they scatter. I watched a professor in school one time training his dog. There were four sheep. The dog cut the leader from the group, and the other three were clueless. They all ran together, but each in different directions. (It was like one of those vector equations in geometry. The one in the middle ran straight, and the ones on each side ran towards the other side.) Sheep are helpless. So are we. And because the LORD is our shepherd, we shall not want for anything. He has promised to provide all we need for life and godliness. If He clothes the lilies and feeds the birds, how much more will He provide for us? Jehovah Jireh: God Who Provides. The LORD is my shepherd. I shall not want.

2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters."
Sheep do not drink from fast-running water. They cannot rest when there is stress. The shepherd leads them to peace and nourishment. It is the same for us. He is our Sabbath rest. Without Him, there is no peace.

3 "He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
When a sheep was prone to wander, the shepherd would break it's leg and set it straight again. Then, during the healing process, the sheep would, by necessity, stay close to the shepherd. For it's own protection, some pain must be encountered, but the end result was a closer walk with the shepherd.

4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and staff, they comfort me."
The rod and staff were used both for defense and discipline. Who would have thought that the discipline of the Lord would be a comfort, but He says that he disciplines those whom He loves. What a comfort to know that we can trust Him and be grateful for His protection and His discipline.

5 "Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou has anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows."
The shepherd would go into the fields ahead of the sheep and plug any holes where predators (snakes, etc) may be dwelling. A table prepared in the presence of enemies. He would also put oil on their heads to keep insects away. How much does the shepherd care for his sheep?! Of course the cup overflows.

6 "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
Amen.