THE LORD SHEPHERDING HIS SHEEP
By Joel R. Beeke
EP Books. 303 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 1 783 971 442
Some journeys are so regularly walked that we rarely take the time to enjoy them.
Our familiarity with Psalm 23 may be one such journey. Although the words are often memorised by children and adults alike, and regularly quoted in times of distress and death, we seldom slow down to meditate upon the unfathomable depths of this brief Psalm. But as Dr Beeke explains in this helpful commentary, we suffer for our ignorance, because ‘Though only six verses long, Psalm 23 is a key that unlocks vast treasures of the Shepherd-Lord for his people.’
Unpacking a phrase at a time in each chapter, Beeke helps us better understand the immense comfort and never-failing blessings that are ours as sheep under God’s care. This book was originally based on a series of sermons Beeke preached 35 years ago, which were subsequently published as his first book. Although The Lord Shepherding His Sheep has been edited since then, every chapter beats with Beeke’s pastoral concern for his readers and gospel-centred passion for the grace of our Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He pleads with believers and non-believers alike to marvel afresh at the staggering reality that redemption, restoration and refreshment are offered through the gospel to all who would believe.
Beautiful word pictures
Beeke helpfully draws on the expertise of Phillip Keller and others who have lived and worked with Middle Eastern shepherds to enrich our appreciation for the beautiful word pictures woven through Psalm 23. In better understanding the vulnerability and folly of the sheep, and the sacrificial care of the shepherd, Beeke unpacks the power and poignancy David intended when he described the all-satisfying and ever-comforting presence of our Shepherd-Lord.
He will not fail
In The Lord Shepherding His Sheep, Beeke echoes David’s original hope – that our great comfort rests in the covenant-keeping nature of our omnipotent Shepherd-Lord. ‘Sheep of God,’ writes Beeke, ‘the Lord is too jealous of his name and reputation as Chief Shepherd to leave you to yourself. He will not fail; he cannot.’
