The Love of the Shepherd

The Love of the Shepherd

Love is the core of all God’s dealings with us. His gentleness, as well as His sternness, all stem from the righteous love of God.

“Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me”
Psalm 23:4

Years ago, while writing on Psalm 23 I was suddenly struck with the wonderful truth that His Rod and His Staff were the same instrument. The same heart wielded both for the benefit of the sheep. David as a shepherd himself knew this deep and vital truth. God’s correction and His mercy flow from the same heart and with one unwavering desire: to bring us to a deeper relationship with Himself.

David declared that whether it be the rod of God or His staff he was comforted in the assurance of the pure love of the Shepherd who watched over Him.

There is a goodness in God wherein we should never fear His corrections. Holiness is to be our highest joy, for in its sway peace and righteousness reign. His dealings with His own are ever to that glorious end.

“For they (our earthly fathers) indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.”
Hebrews 12:10

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“Be ye holy; for I am holy”
1 Peter 1:16

It is because of Love He disciplines us; it is because of love we respond.

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“No man loveth God except
the man who has first learned that God loves him.”
Alexander MacLaren

Brian Troxel