Jesus is my Lord; my Lord is my Good Shepherd and my Gracious Host; He is my Protector and Provider. He keeps me safe in every circumstance and takes care of me in every way that is good. Jesus is not just “the” good shepherd, He is Mine; not that I control him, but that I belong to him and he controls me as long as I let him.
Even when I am in “the ravine of deep darkness” I am not afraid to enter the darkness because he is going with me. Darkness includes the fear of death and the unknown. Death is the Enemy and he is the cause of all darknesses and fears, but my shepherd “is risen indeed” and has already destroyed death and the devil. That One is with me and comforts me.Whom shall I fear?
My Jesus is also my extravagant host who spreads a sumptuous banquet table in front of me even in the very presence of sin, death and the devil. The three enemies will not be removed until the Final Day, so they are always present, though defeated. But eternally present is my loving Shepherd and my generous Host. Which one do I see? To whom will I look?