Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 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.
This passage of scripture describes for us the ideal relationship between God and the human family, described here as being sheep because of the leadership role of Christ, and the "Following" role of individuals. In this ideal relationship, it is God who takes the lead in providing food, clothing, shelter, protection, and salvation to those who are led by the Spirit. And God has indeed shown Himself to be a compassionate, dependable, and merciful leader, as the scripture plainly points out in all of His dealings and interactions with those who put their trust in Him. Let's read:
2nd Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" .........
There is one problem however, that seems to often get in the way of God's wise leadership, in that as sheep, we are born with the freedom to choose, but we are prone to wandering, and since God never imposes His leadership role on any who are unwilling, then it's necessary for us to be willing to be led by Him, if this ideal relationship spoken of in the Psalms, is to be fulfilled. There is something such as a "Lost sheep" that has wandered from God's loving watch-care, and whenever this situation occurs, then the results are shown to be less than ideal, as manifested in the following verses. Let's read:
Jeremiah 50:6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. 7 "All that found them have devoured them ....... and their adversaries said, because they have sinned against the Lord, ..... the hope of their fathers".
This is what often takes place with the members of the human family, for we find ourselves wandering away from God, only to find out that the other "shepherds" out there have their own self-interest at heart, and do not care for the sheep, but rather prey on them. Yet God who is rich in mercy, does all He can to save those who have wandered ignorantly or deliberately from the fold, and thus engages in proactive steps, to restore to their original place, those who were lost. God's purpose to save as many as desire to be saved is expressed in words of loving entreaty, so that those of us who have wandered far away from Him, might have hope of reinstatement. Let's read:
Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.
In our own personal lives, we have sometimes wandered from the Lord in various ways, yet the Lord, true to His purposes of restoration, sets in motion a chain of circumstances that can restore us to our original place, but it's important for us to act on His providences without delay, so that the ideal relationship can be restored. Many are wandering in the mazes of philosophy to find rest, and many others have wandered into false religions and creeds which claim to offer pardon and peace, but the human soul can never be at rest until we are restored to the one and only true Shepherd, even Christ who laid down His life in order that we might be saved.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that calls all wandering sheep to find rest in Christ, for He is merciful and gracious, and does not take delight in the misfortunes of any human being on account of our wandering. Let's read:
Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
May we ever find pardon and peace in Christ, for His promise of restoration is for all who are willing, and choose to be saved. "Good night" and God bless!