HYMN: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

(Message by Tanny Keng)

The Lord is my Shepherd

Hymn writer (lyrics): James Montgomery Music composer: Thomas Koschat

Shepherds a) The primary job of a shepherd is to make sure the sheep have plenty to eat and water to drink. Sheep are not fed in pens like some other animals. In the summer and winter they must depend upon foraging in order to live (Psalm 23:2). b) Anciently, shepherds frequently carried a pail from which the sheep could drink if they could not access a spring or other water source. After drinking, the sheep would usually lie down or huddle together in the shade as the shepherd took a nap. Every shepherd had a unique sound which was used to call his sheep. When the flock heard his call they would follow him to a new place. An interesting aspect regarding sheep is that, even if several flocks are intermingled together, and more than one shepherd calls his sheep, they never mistake their own master's voice (John 10:3-5). c) Rachel, Jacob's (later renamed Israel) favorite wife whom he loved dearly, was a shepherd (Genesis 29:1-2, 4-6). Moses was working as a shepherd before God called him to free his people from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 3:1). David was a shepherd boy when God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint him the future King of Israel (1Samuel 16:1, 10-11). Jesus Christ referred to himself as the Good Shepherd. i) 11. I am the good Shepherd . . . I know those who are Mine, and am known of those who are Mine. 16. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring those also, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one flock and one Shepherd. (John 10:11, 14, 16).

The End ...