The Lord is My Shepherd
Joseph Alleine (1634-1668) was a British tutor, chaplain, and vicar’s assistant who led a passionate and impactful ministry. After being imprisoned twice for the sake of the gospel, Alleine died at the young age of 34.
In spite of his short life, Joseph Alleine left behind a number of books of Christian encouragement and evangelism, including A Sure Guide to Heaven and Precious Promises.
In Precious Promises Alleine gathers God’s promises to shepherd his people,
I will be a shepherd to you.
I will be a shepherd to you (Ps. 23:1; 80:1). Do not be afraid of evil tidings, for I am with you; my rod and my staff shall comfort you. You shall not want, for I will feed you: you shall not wander (to be lost) for I will restore you. I will cause you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside the still waters (Ps. 23).
I will gather you with my arm.
I will gather you with my arm, and carry you in my bosom; and will lead on softly, as the flock and the children are able to endure (Is. 40:11; Gen. 33:13-14). If officers are careless, I will do the work myself. I will judge between cattle and cattle. I will seek what was lost, and bring again what was driven away; and bind up what was broken, and strengthen what was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and will feed them with judgment (Ezek. 34:2-4, 16-17).
I will watch over my flock by night.
I will watch over my flock by night (Is. 27:3). Behold, I have appointed my ministers as your watchmen, and overseers that watch for your souls (Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28). Yes, my angels shall be your watchers, and shall keep a constant guard upon my flock (Deut. 3:28; 6:22). And if, perchance, the servants should sleep (Ps. 34:7; Matt. 13:25, 27), my own eyes shall keep a perpetual watch over you, by night and by day (Ps. 35:15; 33:18, 2 Chron. 16:9). The keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Ps. 122:3-4), nor withdraws his eyes from the righteous (Job 36:7) I will guide you with my eye, I will never trust you out of my own sight (Ps. 32:8).