dependent

Psalm 95:6-7, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."

A while ago...I looked it up and couldn't believe it's been FIVE years...our pastor taught on the 23 psalm.  Part of his teaching was about sheep and how completely helpless they are.  Sheep are 100% dependent on their shepherd.  They are defenseless and directionally challenged and may or may not just be plain dumb.  Their only defense mechanism is to flock together...which isn't a bad idea.  Certainly in times of trouble, we should do the same...seek wise council from our flock.  They depend wholly on their shepherd and know his voice (okay, so they're not dumb).  They depend on him to lead them to green pastures, to protect them as they wander through dangerous places, to watch over them as they rest.  

It's easy to see why the Israelites saw God as their shepherd and themselves as sheep under his guidance and protection.  We are the same.  When we listen to His voice, He leads us away from danger.  When we don't (hello, me in my stubborness), He walks beside us through it.  And oh so sweetly, when we are with Him, He gives us rest.  He is my faithful shepherd and worthy of my worship.  Even now in the heavenlies, they sing repeatedly, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." (Rev. 4:8)  Listen to the good shepherd who would leave all 99 sheep to go find YOU. (Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:3-7)