Workbook
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS

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Trusting in our true shepherd.

Introduction

Welcome to this session on strengthening your Christian faith. Today, we will focus on the role of Jesus as our Shepherd, exploring the depth of His care for us and how we can fully trust in His guidance and provision. This session includes scripture readings, reflections, and action points. Set aside about 30 minutes to engage deeply with the material and to meditate on the truths revealed.

Scripture Reading

Main Text: Isaiah 53

  1. Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 (NIV)

    • "See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—so he will sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand."

  2. Isaiah 53:1-6 (NIV)

    • "Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Reflection

  1. The Role of the Shepherd:

    • Tends: Provides and cares for the flock.

    • Defends: Protects from harm and danger.

    • Rules: Guides and directs the flock’s path.

  2. Visible and Invisible Imposters:

    • Visible Imposters: People or things claiming to be sources of guidance and provision outside of God's Word.

    • Invisible Imposters: Spiritual forces or internal desires that mislead us from trusting fully in Jesus.

  3. Jesus as the True Shepherd:

    • Jesus bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, and was wounded for our transgressions. His actions show us that He alone is the true Shepherd who can be fully trusted.

Action Points

  1. Reflect on the Shepherd’s Role:

    • Take time to meditate on the role of Jesus as your Shepherd. Write down areas in your life where you need to trust Him more fully to tend, defend, and rule.

  2. Identify Imposters:

    • List out visible and invisible imposters in your life. Pray for discernment to recognize and reject these imposters, reaffirming Jesus as your only Shepherd.

  3. Engage with Isaiah 53:

    • Break down Isaiah 53:4-6 into personal prayers. For example:

      • "Lord, You have borne my griefs and carried my sorrows. Help me to release my burdens to You."

      • "Jesus, You were pierced for my transgressions and crushed for my iniquities. I repent of my sins and trust in Your sacrifice for my healing and peace."

Practical Application

  1. Daily Devotion:

    • Spend 5-10 minutes each day for the next week reading Isaiah 53 and praying for a deeper understanding and trust in Jesus as your Shepherd.

  2. Journaling:

    • Keep a journal of how God is speaking to you through these scriptures and reflections. Note any changes in your understanding or areas where you feel more at peace.

  3. Community Sharing:

    • Share your reflections and what you’ve learned with a small group or a prayer partner. Discuss how you can support each other in trusting Jesus as your Shepherd.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being our Shepherd through Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that we often stray and try to shepherd our own lives. Today, we reaffirm our trust in You. Thank You for bearing our griefs, carrying our sorrows, and healing us through Your stripes. Help us to reject any imposters and to rely solely on Your guidance, protection, and care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

End of Session

Feel free to revisit these scriptures and reflections regularly to continue growing in your faith and understanding of Jesus as your Shepherd.