The Shepherd’s Calling (1 Pet. 5:1-2)

[Sung Psalm: 23]

When shepherds fail, in Ezekiel 34, the result is that the sheep begin to fight and quarrel. The sheep that have good pasture trample on the rest to prevent other sheep from eating; after drinking themselves, they muddy the water so that the rest have nothing. The strong sheep "thrust at all the weak with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad."

"Strong" – you see – does not mean "strong in the Lord" weak does not mean spiritually weak. The strong sheep is one who has the power to intimidate the weak.

God promises that he will judge between the strong and the weak, between the fat and the lean. He will give them one shepherd – "my servant David." The people of God need a shepherd. They need someone who will feed them. Someone who will ensure that the weak get enough food, and that the strong do not get too much. They need someone who will judge their quarrels and defend them from their enemies.

And this is why the Son of David sings "The LORD is my shepherd"...