Be A Good Shepherd

Sheep are interesting creatures. Left to their own devises they would have a difficult time surviving, especially in the Middle East, which is the locale from which David experienced life with the flock. He writes Psalm 23 as a shepherd who knows the needs of the sheep and as a “sheep” who realizes his need of a Shepherd.

As parents, we are given the responsibility of being the “under-shepherd” to our children, charged with the duty to raise them in such a way that they will recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd and be prepared to follow as He leads.  Let’s take a look at a few of David’s observations and see how we can bring that home.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.

It is our assignment, straight for God’s Word, to provide… not just for the physical needs of our children, but for their spiritual needs, too.  We wouldn’t think of allowing them to go a day without food, but how many days do we go without sharing God’s promises or instructions with them?  Are you nourished in the Truth that will give direction to your life? It’s hard to supply their needs if you are neglecting your own.

²     He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
³     He gives me new strength.

We, like sheep, need quiet rest in order to function well. As parents, we have to be the enforcer of that, rather than the one who is constantly shouting, “Go Go Go!” and enrolling them in activities that prevent them from having the time to meditate and hear the voice of the Shepherd. Raging waters are an unsafe place for a sheep to drink. They can easily be carried away by the current. The same will happen with our children when we rush them through life without time to rest quietly and digest the Truth that God wants them to hear. It is there that they will gain Spiritual strength and stamina.
He guides me in the right paths
    for the honor of his name.

It is so easy to direct our children’s behaviors for the honor of the family name. We don’t want to be embarrassed in public… we want them to be good citizens… we want them to be at their best when the world is watching… but often it is because we realize that it is a reflection of our parenting. It is vital, as we guide and direct the behaviors of our children, that we are doing so with the knowledge of God’s desires for us and His plan for them. We must teach them to share because we love one another, not just because it will create less fussing. We must teach them to listen because there are vitally important things they need to hear, not just because you are the authority. It’s really all about Jesus… not about us. Raising them to honor Him is critical.
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
    You are with me.

Dark valleys are part of life. Our kids will struggle and bad things will happen and that is when we have the opportunity to parent like our Good Shepherd. He doesn’t shield us from pain, but reminds us that He is with us and has access to all we need to get through it. He is our comfort and our protection. He is our ever-present, loving God. Be there for your kids. Don’t try to dismiss their fears, but realize that to them, they are very real. Love them through it so they know you intend to be there for them, whatever the scenario.

Your shepherd’s rod and staff
    comfort me.

I love this part. The dual purpose of the rod and staff of a shepherd speaks volumes. They were not tools to beat the sheep into submission, but could be used to ward off the enemy as well as direct the sheep, protecting them from falling into danger or rescuing them when they got into a situation they couldn’t get themselves out of.  It is our job to direct our kids. When they are out of control, they are in danger and they need to be brought back to safety. It is so easy to discipline out of anger, rather than to see the danger that unacceptable behavior brings. Quickly halt the steps that are heading toward the precipice and as you reel them in, explain why they must not veer off to that dangerous place. “You must listen to me because I am able to see the things that you are not tall enough (or mature enough) to see. If you cannot listen and obey, then you are not safe and I will need to keep you right beside me until you learn to listen and obey because I love you.” There is great comfort to a child when they know that someone is there to keep them on the safe path.

⁵ You prepare a feast for me
    right in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head.
    My cup runs over.

Sometimes the “feast” we prepare for our kids is actually the enemy! I am not the biggest health nut around, but I observe a lot of children and the behaviors that seem to stem from the nutrition or the lack of nutrition they receive. Consider the fact that everything that goes into our bodies is intended for our good and if we allow them to fill up on junk, we can expect a negative impact on them physically and behaviorally. 

The same is true of the way they feed their minds. What is going into their heads on a daily basis? Are they feasting on the Truth they need to combat the Enemy of their soul?

A shepherd puts oil on the head of the sheep in order to protect them from insects and parasites that would get into their eyes and ears, causing infection. We are mandated by our laws to vaccinate and inoculate our children to protect them and those they associate with. There is also a mandate in God's Word to protect our children from the Enemy by surrounding them with His Truth, His Love, His Law. Sadly, there is no one checking up on us to make sure we follow through with that.
⁶ I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

What greater goal can there be for any parent than to know that we have done all we can to help our kids see and value the provision and love of their Heavenly Father and desire to walk with Him throughout their lives here and into eternity?

Be a good under-shepherd. Your little lambs need you!