Jehovah-Rohi

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My friend Susan recently sent me a message: “Sheryl, I remember the day I heard the news Paul had been killed. I rushed to your office to find out what happened. I couldn’t believe it; Paul had died. And now, the same thing has happened to me. My beloved husband, Frank, tragically died of a massive heart attack. It’s so horrible, I can’t believe it. Please pray for me.”

The tears flowed for my friend’s loss. Understanding the shock of Susan’s disbelief, I prayed, “Lord provide for Susan.” Immediately, I sensed the tender care of Jehovah-Rohi. He says, “I am the Lord your Shepherd.”

Isaiah 40:11 explains, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd, He will tenderly carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Jehovah Rohi leads us, guides us, and protects us as a shepherd leads His sheep. We must willingly let Him keep us close to His heart and trust Him to carry us.

Jehovah-Rohi is the name of God that means I am the Lord Your Shepherd. He leads us, guides us, and protects us. In whatever circumstances, Jehovah-Rohi lovingly watches over us as a shepherd guards his sheep. David, appointed to be the shepherd of God’s people, knew also his own trustworthy shepherd in Jehovah-Rohi. Psalm 23 reminds us, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He restores my soul.” How can we handle the days, even years, we feel overwhelmed with loss, stress, or worries? We can be comforted with the fact we have a Shepherd who cares for us. Jehovah-Rohi will give us strength and peace to face the uncertain future that lies ahead.

Jehovah-Rohi is possibly the most personal and precious name of God. The Hebrew words translated “the Lord is my shepherd” are Jehovah (Yahweh roi) first used by David in Psalm 23:1. After David’s use of the title of shepherd, God is seen as the shepherd of his people in Isaiah as it refers to the greatness of God In the New Testament, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls (I Peter 1:25), the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), and the lamb who will be their shepherd (Revelation 7:7). In the name Jehovah-Rohi, we see an intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep. The Shepherd protects, provides, directs, leads, and cares for His people. God tenderly takes care of us as a strong and patient shepherd. John 10:14 says,“I am the Good Shepherd, and I know my own and my own know me.” This status brings privilege and promise. In John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. And no one can snatch them out of My hand.”

Would you join me as I pray for my friend Susan? But wait—while we are at it, there are so many others who have suffered tragic loss through a sudden death. So let’s also pray for them. It is a comfort to know those who knew Jesus Christ as their personal savior are with Him in heaven, yet we also must remember that sudden loss such as Susan’s is a breeding ground for bitterness, depression, and even separation from our faith. It’s difficult to find peace in the loss of dreams, departure from those we love, and disappointment a sudden change of future plans, marriage status, financial status, and much more. We can serve our Lord—Jehovah-Rohi, our Shepherd—by faithfully praying for the survivors of death. Here’s a partial list: the grieving surviving spouse, sons, daughters, siblings, parents, co-workers, neighbors, church members, and any others affected by the loss of their precious loved one. Let’s pray:

Dear Jesus, Thank you tender Shepherd, for your sweet care for our loved ones, especially those who are suffering because of the death of their special loved one. Lord, I think of Susan, Kimberly, Shirley and scores of others who are grieving. O dear Shepherd, provide for their every need, may they not be lacking in any way. Lord, please make them lie down and rest in luscious green pastures, lead and nourish them beside quiet waters, restore and replenish their souls. Guide and direct them in paths of uprightness for your name’s sake. Escort them as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, keep them near in their faith and draw them close to your heart. Help them not to fear because you are with them. Not only will you defend them with your rod and your staff, this protection provides peace and comfort. O shepherd, thank you for your provision for their physical needs as you feed them. Gracious shepherd, you prepare a table of delicious food in the presence of their enemies. Thank you for choosing to honor them as you anoint their heads with oil, keep their cups full to overflowing. Allow goodness and love to follow them each day they live, so they may serve and love you in your presence. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

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