Sheep eat grass. Sheep drink water. It's not complicated. The shepherd is responsible to provide for them in every way: food, water, shelter, protection.
Sheep won't drink from rushing streams, but only from calm waters, so their shepherd guides them to safe, calm water sources and the best pastures. Because sheep are so helpless, they are easy prey for wolves, bears or lions. Shepherds are the defenders of the flock, leading them to the safety of the sheep pen, protecting them from predators, and when necessary, putting themselves in harm's way to rescue the sheep. (In the account of David & Goliath [1st Samuel 17]: David refers to killing a lion and a bear to protect his flock!)
Flocks are often in remote pastures for long periods of time, with only their shepherd. Over time, the sheep learn to trust their shepherd, to know their voice, and to follow them anywhere. This bond is strong and is key to the survival of the flock.
Christ is our Good Shepherd, who knows what we need, who will provide for us in every way, and who has laid down His life to rescue us.
Are you relying on your Shepherd to provide the essentials for you?
Are you able to discern His voice? Are you learning to trust Him?
Is your trust growing to the point where you will follow Him wherever He leads you?
Have you wandered from your Shepherd and found yourself in the wilderness? He is seeking you, are you listening for His voice?
How does your perspective on Psalm 23 change based on what you know about sheep?
READ: John 10:11-18, 24-30; Psalm 23; Luke 15:1-7