THE SHEPHERD-GOD

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them – Genesis 3:21

Psalm 23 begins with few simple, but powerful words: “The LORD is my Shepherd…” It’s so easy to gloss over such familiar scriptures. Let’s pause and ponder on WHO our Shepherd is – “the LORD”! He is none else than the LORD – JEHOVAH! YAHWEH!! This is often translated in English Bible versions as “LORD” to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The first appearance of the name JEHOVAH in scripture follows the creation of Man: “…in the day that the LORD GOD made the earth and the heavens” (Gen.2:4b).

JEHOVAH is the redemptive Name of God. When sin entered the world and redemption became necessary, Jehovah-Elohim – the LORD GOD – sought the sinning ones and clothed them with clothes of skins (Gen.3:9-21). The Shepherd-God began to care for the wayward sheep (Adam and Eve) even in the midst of the fall. He began to temper judgement with mercy! Goodness and Mercy waited on the wings, awaiting perfect redemption.

The first distinctive and personal revelation of God by His Name JEHOVAH was in connection with the redemption of the covenant people out of Egypt: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Ex.3:14). JEHOVAH is the eternal I AM. He is also YAHWEH – the Self-existent One, He that is Who He is! (Exo.3:13-17). Yahweh is present, accessible and near to those who trust in Him.

JEHOVAH is multi-faceted in His manifestations. He reveals different aspects of His Character and relates to us as His children in diverse ways. Here are some of the compound covenant names of God in the Bible:

He is Jehovah-Jireh: the Lord Who provides.

He is Jehovah-Rapha:  the Lord Who heals.

He is Jehovah-Nissi: the Lord our Banner.

He is Jehovah-Shalom: the Lord is Peace.

He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu: the Lord our Righteousness.

He is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh: the Lord Who sanctifies.

He is Jehovah-Sabaoth: the Lord of Hosts.

In the context of our meditation, the Lord is JEHOVAH-ROHI: the Lord our Shepherd…the One Who is caring! If this wonderful Shepherd-God could care enough to cover the nakedness of the first couple right after they transgressed, who dares set limits to the reach of His Mercy? Beloved, take time to reaffirm or renew your relationship and commitment to the LORD – JEHOVAH – as the Shepherd of your soul!