JEHOVAH ROHI

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

REFERENCE
Psalm 23:1-6

In Hebrew tongue, Jehovah Rohi means ‘The Lord our Shepherd.’ A shepherd typically is called to tend sheep. Metaphorically however, a shepherd guides and directs others in the direction they should go. Jesus in John 10:11 called Himself the ‘Good Shepherd’ who gives His life for the sheep (believers). For believers, our Jehovah Rohi seeks, leads and feeds us. David, being a shepherd himself, understood what it meant to take care of sheep; he used the shepherd/sheep illustration to explain God’s goodness to us in this psalm.

What important truths can we note about this psalm? Firstly, it is evident that God is concerned about our well-being and is Jehovah JIREH (Provider) to us. He does not want us to suffer lack of any kind, and He seeks our satisfaction. Secondly, God does not want us running around in life, not achieving much. He will order our steps to lush pastures where we can make profit.

Thirdly, when we miss our way (make wrong choices) as sheep often do, God will bring us back to the right track. When we are sick, He will restore our health and revive us when we faint from weariness. Fourthly, in times of difficulty, God will be with us so that we will not fear what the difficulty can do to us. He will walk us out of every dark valley (because He knows the way out), and give us consolation for any grief.

Fifthly, the will of God is for us to live in overflowing blessings. He has put the oil of favor on us which will never run dry, and every enemy of progress in our lives will always be put to shame. Finally, only goodness and mercy are permitted to follow us as long as we follow the guidance of this Supernatural Shepherd – yes, as long as we covet His presence more than every other thing.

Some shepherds are mere hirelings that would abandon their sheep at the first sight of trouble, but Jesus is a faithful Shepherd, He already gave His life for us to show how deeply He cares for us. Hence, we can rely on His everlasting faithfulness towards us. As sheep, we were designed to need a shepherd; any sheep that is not submitted to the shepherd goes astray and opens the door to all kinds of attacks. So, to enjoy the provisions, direction, restoration, comfort, overflowing blessings, safety, goodness and mercy of God that has been promised to us in this psalm, we must be willing to submit and follow the unique voice of Jehovah Rohi.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
I Samuel 17:34-35, Psalm 34:8-10, John 10:11-16, & 27

PRAYER
Thank You Lord, for being my faithful shepherd who will never abandon nor forsake me.  As Your sheep, I am willing to submit and listen to Your voice of instruction. Therefore, I will not lack; only goodness and mercy are permitted to follow me all the days of my life in Jesus’ name.