Goodness and Mercy, For All Our Days

Goodness and Mercy, For All Our Days

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 23:6

Borrowing the imagery of one commentator, Christ Our Shepherd, has two sheepdogs called Goodness and Mercy, who follow us ‘all the days of our life.’ Having had two sheepdogs, I find this very picturesque. A sheepdog is very attentive. She is aware of every subtle movement of the flock. So, both the Goodness and Mercy of Christ, Our Shepherd, follow us with keenness. Sheepdogs have somewhat different ‘personalities,’ and require different uses to suit those personalities. So Christ will apply Goodness at one moment, and Mercy at another, and sometimes both together. Sheepdogs will see to it that the flock moves in the direction of the Shepherd’s desired destination. So Goodness and Mercy are keen to gently move us toward the homestead of the Master’s house. Sheepdogs are very steady and unflagging. They stick to the task with determination. So Goodness and Mercy continue with us, ‘all the days of our life.’

How wise is Our Shepherd to choose such dedicated servants to benefit His sheep. Sheepdogs, by their very existence, are a deterrent to predators. Those who would destroy and devour must think twice before taking on these two dedicated defenders. It is with great assurance today that we can take the next few steps in our forward journey. Christ goes before us, and has set His two sheepdogs, Goodness and Mercy behind us. We may proceed with confidence.

Our most Kind and Wise Shepherd,
We rejoice today in Your abundant
Wisdom, and in Your Goodness and Mercy.

Where the Bush is Burning
Tomm Tice.