The great Shepherd of the sheep is responsible for the feeding, care, growth, successful completion or maturity, and entrance into the Kingdom for those under care. The Shepherd oversees the entire process from the time of calling through to the end. Among the top goals of the Shepherd is the creation of an environment for the sheep to prosper and grow. That environment is one of peace and contentment without fear, without conflict, and without uncertainty. When the sheep are content, they have the best chance of growing and reaching maturity. The Shepherd leads the sheep, protects them, maintains their lives with feeding and care, and provides for them so that they live abundant lives. The Shepherd knows each sheep personally and the sheep know the Shepherd. The Shepherd draws the sheep into one flock. The Shepherd gives the sheep eternal life. The sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd, the Shepherd calls the sheep by name and leads them out, the sheep follow because they know the voice, and the Shepherd goes before them. The Shepherd is the door through which the sheep enter, are saved, go in and out, and find pasture. The good Shepherd gives life for the sheep. The Shepherd knows the sheep and is known by them. The sheep hear the voice, are known, follow, receive eternal life, never perish, and remain safe in the hand of the Shepherd. The Lord is the shepherd so that there is no want. The shepherd makes the sheep to lie down in green pastures, leads beside the still waters, restores the soul, leads in the paths of righteousness, ensures no fear of evil even in the valley of the shadow of death because of the presence and the rod and staff that comfort, prepares a table in the presence of enemies, anoints the head with oil so that the cup runs over, ensures that goodness and mercy follow all the days, and provides a dwelling in the house forever.