"Know that the LORD, He is God.
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture."
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture."
Psalm 100:3
I read the words of a plastic surgeon years ago. He said that it was a joy to do surgery upon the patients, because it changed their self-image. He had seen amazing results in the lives of people. Their attitude was often changed about themselves. It enhanced positive self-esteem. The psalmist wrote of a self-image in relationship with God. Knowing God as our Creator and LORD enables us to accept ourselves as His people.
"We are His people and the sheep of His pasture." Those words describe in summary our relationship with God. If we are His sheep, then He is our Shepherd. Most of the Psalms were written by David, the shepherd boy who became the leader of God's people. David often used the Shepherd-sheep relationship as an analogy for God's relationship with His people. Jesus did likewise in His New Testament teaching. The shepherd would lead them and provide for them, protect them and care for them. That gives us a word picture of God's relationship with all of His people.
Jesus told the well known parable of the prodigal son. It's the story of a young man who lost his identity, having wasted part of his life as a wayward son. The turning point comes when he decides to go home to his father. He was willing to work as a servant, but the father would have none of it. He was a son, and the father restored him. His life changed when he was restored as the father's son. It was about a relationship. Sure, he had sinned and he admitted it. But, he was still the father's son. When we really see ourselves as children of the LORD God, life takes on new meaning. We are God's people.
Father, we are Your people and the sheep of Your pasture. We receive You as our heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
