Printed from: https://www.cmf.org.uk/doctors/devotion/?id=devotion&day=10&month=1
The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1
My dictionary holds ten associations for the word `lord'. Including its use as a verb, they all indicate one in a position of authority who commands respect. A shepherd is simply defined as one who tends his sheep, either literally (as a sheep-herd) or metaphorically (as a pastor). The one is a might potentate, the other a practical care-giver. At the start of this psalm, then, we have an immediate contrast: the creator and controller of heaven and earth is given a name which identifies him with the down-to-earth task of shepherding.
David knew all about the selfless devotion needed to be a good shepherd for he has been one himself. Constantly watching and counting, out at all hours and in all weathers, pursuing, rescuing, tending and protecting -- a shepherd's life is far from idyllic: it may even involve the literal laying down of physical as well as personal life on behalf of the sheep. From such a lifestyle he had been promoted to kingship -- a lord in his own right. Yet some of his other psalms tell us how aware he was that, even from the throne, he had behaved as foolishly as one of his old flock. He had turned to his own way and run into hazards of his own making and then cried in desperation to the Lord to rescue him. Here, it comes as a shaft of light to realise that this same mighty, conceivably estranged, Lord is willing to act as a shepherd to him -- and not just `a' shepherd by `my' shepherd. The same concern for his individual sheep that David had shown to his flock was now being shown to him. The power, majesty and authority rightly indicated in his title `Lord' is matched by the unfailing concern and practical love of the shepherd. His longing to bring back the wanderer would lead him, as history would unfold, to lay down his life for the sheep.
Doctors are sometimes accused of lording it over others, jostling with each other and trampling on their patients. It is good to be reminded that the Lord regards us as so many sheep! This restores focus and humility. To some he may give tasks as leaders of the flock or even under-shepherds. Harassed housemen, busy GPs or unit administrators may see themselves in this light and identify with the burden of a shepherd's life. the Lord is in absolute authority and, whether shepherding or shepherded, my cries for help and deliverance will be heard, whatever the crisis or challenge. The human equivalents or helpless lambs or stubborn old rams who fill our lives are equally precious to him. He hears their pitiful cries and knows their conflicts as well as the problems they bring to others. In his lordship he could enforce his will, but as shepherd he is strong but gentle and expects me, as his follower, to be the same.
Whether dealing with absentees from the clinic or aggressors on committee, the authoritarian attitude which may arise so readily must be tempered by the recollection of the ways of a shepherd with this sheep, putting aside all self-interest and seeking to be patient, yet pursuing -- just as the Good Shepherd is in dealing with me.
The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never.
H W Baker
Further reading: Jn 10:11-18.
JG
