The Shepherd And The Host

This is the best known psalm of all the 150 psalms. Most of us have learned it from childhood and have loved it ever since then. It is a Psalm in two pictures, both of which show the perfect goodness of God. God is both the good Shepherd of his people and he is also the perfect Host, treating those who trust him as honoured guests in his house. Isn't that truly wonderful?

As the good Shepherd, God takes such care of his people that they are satisfied, guided, cared for when wounded, encouraged, and given courage to face the hard times in life; yes and they are disciplined gently to help them back on to the right road. Like sheep we can too easily go astray.

As the perfect Host, God treats us in such a special way that we are filled with wonder that the Lord of heaven should lavish such attention on us.

What does all this mean? It means that for those of us who are Christians, God has a special relationship with us. We are special to him. The almighty eternal God is a God of tenderness — caring and patient with those who are his children through faith in Jesus. It is both humbling and also wonderful that God loves us!

Prayer

Dear Lord, I am lost in wonder, love and praise as I think of all you are to your children. Amen.