The lesson today is one of the most recognized bible passages of all time. Psalm 23 can be found on wall hangings, bookmarks, and inspirational cards. It is read for encouragement during illness, in the midst of tragedy, to help with anxiety, and even to comfort those in mourning. Being that it is so familiar, it is easy to pass over quickly and miss the depth of meaning in the words, which are still true today, although written centuries ago. King David knew about sheep; his story in scripture begins with him watching his father Jesse’s flocks. David intimately knew that sheep depend on their shepherd and listen for his voice. It is essential to their ability to find food, water, and shelter. David had been a shepherd, and he also knew the role of the sheep.
God prepared David for the shepherding of a nation as King. But he and his people needed to be shepherded by the Lord. What David learned evolved into strong confidence and a trusting heart toward God. His insights help us to surrender to the ultimate Shepherd of us all. As you study Psalm 23, consider the events of your life and all that God has brought you through. Read with renewed purpose the beautiful and calming word pictures found in this Psalm and recognize the importance of belonging to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
This psalm starts with a very poignant and personal statement; The Lord is not described here as just a good shepherd or a bad shepherd, or even shepherd of the world. This writer (most often assumed to be David) says the Lord is MY shepherd. I shall not want. In other words, I place myself under the care and watchful eyes of the Lord. I have need of nothing. With the Lord as your shepherd, there is no lack, no fear, and no reason to worry. The Gospel of John records quite a bit about Jesus’ discussion regarding Himself as a shepherd:
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:3-4).
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7).
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11).
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (John 10:14).
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Green pastures, alive, lush, good places to gather. Notice God doesn’t hand feed the sheep. He leads to still, calm, cool, fresh, clear, clean waters taking care of our every need. He brings them to this abundance, and the sheep rest, eat, and drink here. Calming and strengthening as they live confidently depending upon and trusting the shepherd. It is the same for each of us, if we also trust and believe the Shepherd’s word.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6: 31-33).
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Our shepherd brings peace to our souls. We can live in the sureness of Him. He will steer us away from the predators and pitfalls. Why does He do this? For His namesake. Because He has a spotless track record, you can trust that He will do now as He has done in the past.
He is the Good Shepherd. He knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. It is by the goodness, longsuffering, and gracious kindnesses of our Shepherd that we are drawn to Him and welcome in His presence.
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4).
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Regardless of where we walk, and especially as we walk through some tough places, our Shepherd goes with us. He is not like the hireling or someone paid to watch over us. He walks with us every step of the way. Never leaving us to fend for ourselves. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:12-15).
We walk daily through the shadows of death and uncertainty. However, we are not to cower in fear of evil. Our assurance is knowing that Jesus took upon himself our penalty for sin. Our debt has been paid. Our Shepherd is in control. Interestingly, it takes both the rod of correction (affliction) and the staff of God’s provision (blessings) to bring us to this place of safety and comfort. The Shepherd corrects those He loves, and it is His good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
We have read the back of the book! God’s side wins! Don’t doubt or expect that to change. It would be very foolish to be on the losing team and on purpose! Though we have an enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, we are cared for by the Shepherd. Humble reliance brings us exalted rewards. We are not destined to suffer the wrath of God. Instead, we are given a seat at His table and redeemed by the death and resurrection of our Shepherd. We are cared for, led by, and filled to overflowing with His Spirit and His benevolence.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Surely- without any doubt, goodness (the only one good is God) and mercy (relief from getting what I deserve because Jesus paid my penalty) shall follow us all the days of our lives. Do not put your confidence in anyone other than God. The creator of the universe is more than able to keep and sustain us. Our Redeemer Kinsman has made a way for us to dwell in the dwelling place of the Lord… not for a little while, not even just for a long time…. But FOREVER!
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3).
Note:
God knows about sheep! Scripture says that All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6). Even the most cantankerous and contrary sheep can find forgiveness and tender care from the Good Shepherd. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10: 9-10). As Jesus talked with the religious leaders of His day, he reminded them that only those who hear His voice, will follow Him. There is confidence and safety in trusting the Lord. Is he your Shepherd? He can be!
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (John 10: 25-29).
Thank you for studying with us! God bless!