In part one of this series, we wrote about the necessity of shepherds. Their vulnerabilities, their helplessness against predators, their inability to find sustenance, and their proneness to wandering. Therefore, the shepherd is vital to providing selfless, 24/7 care for the sheep.
The father, like a shepherd, plays a critical role in lovingly leading, providing for, and protecting his family, knowing that their survival and flourishing depend on his intimate knowledge, courage, and faithful vigilance.
In this installment, we will look at the relationship between the shepherd and his flock, with a focus on their complete trust in him.
The Trust of Sheep
In discussing sheep and shepherds with a friend, he shared this story.
As a young man, I served my country in the Air Force. I was a Weapon Systems Officer in the F-4E Phantom II jet fighter-bomber. I flew 180+ combat missions in Southeast Asia. If asked if God had saved and protected me, I would have said “Yes, certainly. We once brought back an airplane with part of a wing missing, and the time we scraped the treetops.” God had His purpose in these events, but He had another object lesson for me.
Later, I was flying in Turkey. We would take off from Incirlik Air Base (at the northeast corner of the Mediterranean), fly over the Tarsus mountains, and go to a practice bomb range at Konya (where Paul was beaten and kicked out). On the return flight, we passed over a large, central arid area. The region was sparse – a few huts, a few crops, and lots of sheep.
From 20,000 feet, we could see flocks of sheep grazing and decided to have some fun. We dropped down to our minimum allowed altitude to buzz the sheep. Now the F-4 is a LOUD airplane, trailing clouds of ominous black smoke. Not understanding, the sheep perceived they were under attack by giant, ugly birds of prey – they sought safety and protection. This I witnessed – the sheep RAN to their shepherd, converging into a massive ball of wool at his camp. They believed and trusted in him.
Now I get it. The sheep knew their shepherd and absolutely trusted him for their safety and protection. The shepherd knew his sheep and would give his life to protect them. How thrilling to know, as a sheep, I have a Shepherd who knows me and gave His life for me. Through faith, belief, and trust in my Good Shepherd, Jesus, I am truly saved and under His protection.
The sheep’s total vulnerability means the shepherd is not merely a caretaker but the source of their life, safety, and direction. The fragility of the flock makes the shepherd’s diligence and character the most critical factor in their survival.
Family shepherds are likewise a vital element in the well-being of our families. Being present, vigilant, courageous, and trustworthy gives comfort to our children, knowing that they are safe with us.
Psalm 23
King David, the former shepherd boy, lyrically described God’s loving care for Him as his Divine Shepherd, and the trust he had in Him.
Blessed Assurance of Provision
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. – Psalm 23
In the first stanza (verses 1-3), David expressed absolute assurance that just as a human shepherd makes sure the sheep have plenty of tender grass to eat, quiet water from which to drink, and a safe place to sleep comfortably, Jehovah Jireh (“The Lord my provider”) would be the supplier of all his daily needs.
He had no lack of food, water, or rest for his body or soul as he followed His Shepherd’s leading.
Safe and Sound
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23
In verse 4, David wrote of his complete safety and security as he followed his Divine Shepherd through dark and dangerous passages where evil lurked, not even fearing death. His assurance came from knowing his Shepherd was near and armed with a powerful rod and staff.
The rod is a short, heavy club, often with a knob on the end, sometimes studded with nails. The staff was long enough to keep predators at a distance. With those weapons, a shepherd fights off wild animals and human predators that threaten the sheep. David was comforted knowing his Shepherd would never use His weaponry against him, but to bludgeon his enemies.
Abundance of Blessings
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. – Psalm 23
In verse 5a, David wrote and sang about having a Shepherd who provided him with a banquet of spiritual blessings, even though his enemies surrounded him. While his foes, both the four-legged and two-legged kind, were seeking to destroy him, Jehovah Jireh was providing everything David needed in abundance as they watched. “In yo’ face!” kids might say.
His Healer
During the course of the day, sheep can get cuts on their heads from certain plants due to their sharp burr-like structures. They are also in danger from pests that can infect their eyes, nose, and ears.
As a shepherd pours oil upon the head of the sheep to heal their physical injuries and to protect them from parasites, David, despite being a king, continually experienced wounds and dangers, making spiritual “oil” a personal necessity for him. In verse b, David testified to the Great Shepherd’s tender loving care.
- Soothed Wounds: David suffered intense emotional and psychological wounds from numerous crises: Saul’s relentless pursuit, the loss of his son, and the weight of his own sin (e.g., the affair with Bathsheba). God, as his Shepherd, provided the “oil” of forgiveness and emotional restoration to soothe his guilt and heal his spirit. The oil represents God’s tenderness in binding up the wounds of His deeply flawed but repentant servant.
- Protection from Pests: David was constantly harassed by “pests” – his enemies (both foreign and domestic, like Absalom). The oil covering his head represented God’s protective presence, shielding his mind and spirit from the debilitating fear and distraction caused by those who sought his downfall. It assured him that God was actively defending his thoughts and peace.
Faith-Filled Finale
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. – Psalm 23
The constant tender loving care, provision, guidance, and protection of the Great Shepherd so overwhelmed David that he declared in complete confidence that his eternal future was secure (verse 6).
David concluded the song with the faith-filled proclamation that his Shepherd’s unmerited favor would never leave him. He was without doubt that as long as he faithfully followed His Shepherd, he would be continually surrounded by His abundant goodness and loving kindness for the remainder of his days on earth.
Then, after being pursued by God’s goodness and unfailing compassion throughout his earthly life, the Great Shepherd would welcome him into His heavenly home to live with Him forever.
Summary
The Psalmist depicted Almighty God, in whose image we are created, as the Divine Shepherd. It is an appropriate and beautiful way of illustrating the gentle, caring, and nurturing nature of our God. A metaphor that was easily understood by the people of the time. Fathers are called to the essential ministry of shepherding our families. This role requires mirroring the protective, sacrificial, and guiding love exemplified by God in the 23rd Psalm.
God calls fathers to a ministry of:
- Provision and sustenance
- Physical, spiritual, and emotional
- Protection
- From predators: harmful media, destructive peer influences, bad habits, etc.
- Sacrifice
- Laying aside personal pursuits to be engaged and focused on his children.
- Guidance and Correction
- Leading by example
- Providing redemptive correction
- Following Christ
- Setting the example of submitting to the congregational under shepherd.
- Leading the family to Christ
In a later installment of this series, we will delve deeper into each of those aspects of family shepherding.
Next week, we will draw more from the metaphor of the Heavenly Father as the Great Shepherd, and Jesus Christ as the Chief Shepherd.
To review the earlier posts in this series on Fathers as Family Shepherds click on the links below:
Fathers As Family Shepherds – Part 2
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For more on the topic of fatherhood, read my newly revised and updated Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs. I have added a chapter (26) on what churches can do to help fathers strengthen their spiritual leadership in their homes, congregations and communities. The hardbound version was published on October 13, 2025 and is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Obtain the Kindle version here: https://a.co/d/0HJS8QY
Another new resource for fathers is the book Fathering Strong – God’s Blueprint for Leading Your Family by key ministry partner, Bruce Stapleton. Learn about it here: https://www.amazon.com/Fathering-Strong-Blueprint-Leading-Family/dp/B0F52HN91R
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Fathering Strong is powered by Urban Light Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 in Springfield, Ohio. Our mission is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to the Heavenly Father. Go to www.fatheringstrong.com to donate. To learn more about Urban Light Ministries’ history, work, and mission, explore www.urbanlight.org.