His Pasture
Psalm 100:3 ESV says, “Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Today we are thinking about the last part of this verse. “We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Consider this morning what his pasture is like.
The pasture represents his covering and protection. Abiding in his pasture means receiving his care and watchful guard. There is no fear of harm in this place and no concern for provision. The Shepherd watches over us.
It makes me think of John 10:11 ESV, where Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Do you find yourself in that pasture today, or if you are wandering from his care? Are you living in the wilderness, far from the Shepherd? Or are you living close to his voice?
The enemy will quickly speak lies about our identity in Christ. His job is to scatter the flock and convince us that we do not belong. We find that we can understand that God is God, that he created us, and that we technically belong to him but live outside the pasture. We can know these things and still believe that we are unworthy of living close to his care.
That lost sheep mentality drives us away from the one who loves us the most. It leads us to abandon the protection of the flock because we feel unworthy.
I think that is why the psalmist reiterates our identity by declaring with gratitude that we are his people. More than details and facts, this truth of our identity is played out in a day-to-day lifestyle in the pasture with the Shepherd.
In plain language, we have the invitation to live a life of peace under the care of God in all his wisdom, the Son in all his love and power, and through the strength and freedom of the Holy Spirit. That is essentially what it means to be people of God that live in his pasture.
As we go into our day, I have two challenges for you. First, I want you to examine your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to show you any lies that the enemy is speaking to you that might cause you to abandon the pasture. This may be a serious coming home moment for some as God restores you to the flock. You might want to take a minute and read Luke 15:1-7.
The second challenge is to ask God to show you anyone who is straying from the flock. Do not shame or condemn them, but lovingly invite them back into the fold. This bonus challenge requires us to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit and possibly step out of our comfort zone. Speak life into someone you know and help them overcome the lies of the enemy. The key word is we. This is not a solo gig. God will help us as we go through today.
Amen.
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