Psalm 23 provides a favorite portrayal of God as a shepherd. Its images of green meadows and peaceful streams are balanced out by the crossing of a dark, enemy-filled valley. The author, David, who slew a lion and a bear while protecting his flock, knew both the nurturing and protecting roles of a shepherd. In today's text, Isaiah develops these two aspects of our divine Father.

1. How does reflecting on God's "glorious power" and "awesome strength" bolster your confidence?



2. What other aspects of God's character does picturing Him as a shepherd suggest?



3. Is this caring aspect of God only a female attribute, or is it also a male attribute?



4. Does pacing Himself for pregnant ewes or carrying lambs in any way diminish the Great Shepherd's might?



5. Which feel compelled to project a macho image—truly strong men or he-man wanna-be's?



6. How does holding a child's hand communicate both strength and caring?



7. What are some ways in which you could help your children feel both protected and nurtured?

Ask God to make you a man whose dependability is inviting and whose strength is gentle.

¹⁰Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

¹¹He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

¹³For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
'Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.'

Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to empower my children by investing in their physical, emotional, and spiritual maturity.

				Try an Issue of Men of Integrity Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Men of Integrity as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for the Men of Integrity Newsletter    RSS Feed   RSS Help