Sometimes, I get calls from the bank where I hold my account. The purpose of the call is to introduce me to a ‘Personal Banker’ who will take care of all my banking and financial management. In the last two decades, I have not availed a single service from the so-called ‘personal banker’. Sports professionals prefer a ‘personal coach’. There are corporate executives who have a ‘life coach’ to grow in their leadership abilities and skills. Upcoming youngsters wish to have ‘mentors’ to encourage, inspire and equip them to excel.
For David, God was his ‘Personal Shepherd’. “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalms 23:1) For David the term ‘shepherd’ was comprehensive. This ‘personal shepherd’ was more than a coach, counsellor, friend, philosopher, guide, mentor or all rolled up in one. The word ‘shepherd’ itself gives us a sense of warmth, worth, belonging, protection, connection, care…
It shows amazing love that God chooses to be our shepherd. God chooses us we don’t choose Him. “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” (John 15:16). God chose David the humble shepherd, shaped him, appointed him as King, which he did excellently well – with integrity of heart and skilful hands (Psalms 78: 70-72). ‘Personal Shepherd’ helps us to understand our call, clarify our role, impart knowledge, prepares a context to display our mission and equip with skills needed to accomplish God’s purpose in our lives.
Some Christians know Lord Jesus as ‘Personal Saviour’ while they do not know the ‘Personal Shepherd’.
Is Lord Jesus Christ your personal Saviour and Shepherd?
Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran)
Website: jnmanokaran.me