Yea, Though I Walk Through The Valley
It is at this point that we are half way through the Psalm. We have finished the “He” section which describes the way the Shepherd cares for His sheep.
He has done everything for us; we are not required to do anything but follow. He protects and provides for us as we stay close to Him. So we see that the theme for these first three verses implies relationship:
He is my Shepherd and Lord and I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The second half of the Psalm is the “I” section. Because the Shepherd has done everything for me, I am now responsible to follow Him closely so He can provide for me and protect me.
What does this mean for me as His sheep?
I can walk through a valley of death
I will fear no evil.
I will have Him with me always.
I will be comforted by His rod and staff.
I will eat from a prepared table.
I will have my head anointed with oil.
I will have a cup that will overflow.
I will have goodness and mercy follow and overtake me the rest of my life.
I will live in His house for all eternity.
It is as though up to this point the sheep has been boasting to its unfortunate neighbor across the fence about the excellent care it received from its owner on the “home” ranch throughout the winter and spring. Have you ever worked for someone who was really a great person to work for, and then go home and tell your neighbor what a wonderful boss you have only to find out his boss is the worst person in the world to work for?
Now it turns to address the shepherd directly. The personal pronouns “I” and “Thou” enter the conversation. It becomes a most intimate discourse of deep affection. This is natural and normal.
Yea, Though I Walk Through The Valley Of The Shadow of Death
It is interesting to note that the intensive connective “yea” is used to begin the statement. This is the first connective utilized to relate clauses. The absence of expressed connectives at the beginning of preceding clauses make this stand out by contrast.
“Walk” describes incomplete action and may refer both to the present and future tense. This is true of some of the other verbs of verse 4.
A series of 3 prepositional phrase is used to describe “walk.”
The local adverbial phrase “through the valley,” indicating the direction or place of the walk.
The adjectival phrase, “of the shadow,” qualifies the term “valley.”
The adjectival phrase, “of death,” qualifies the term “shadow”
In the marginal reading of some translations, “the valley of the shadow of death” is rendered “the valley of deep darkness.”
During the time the flock is entirely alone with the shepherd during the long treks of the summer and fall, they are entirely alone with the shepherd. They are under his most personal attention day and night. That is why these last verses are couched in such intimate first person language.
It is well to remember that all of this is done against a dramatic background of wild mountains, rushing rivers, alpine meadows and high rangelands.
David, the psalmist, of course knew this type of terrain first hand. He knew from firsthand experience about the difficulties and dangers, as well as the delights of the treks into high country. He knew this wild but wonderful country like the palm of his hand. Never did he take his flock where he had not already been before. Always he had gone ahead to look over the country with care.
All the dangers of rampaging rivers in flood; avalanches; rock slides; poisonous plants; the ravages of predators that raid the flock or the awesome storms of sleet and hail and snow were familiar to him.
He had handled his sheep and managed them with care under all these adverse conditions.
Nothing took him by surprise. He was fully prepared to safeguard his flock and tend them with skill under every circumstance. All of this is brought out in the beautiful simplicity of the last verses. Here is grandeur, a quietness, and an assurance sets the soul at rest.
THOUGH I WALK THROUGH
Why is “through” used instead of another preposition, such as “in?”
There is the idea of coming out on the other end of what you are walking through. There is the idea in Luke 6 of Jesus walking through the crowd of angry people to come out and go on.
The word “in” means to indicate inclusion, within space, a place, or limits. The psalmist is not staying there but going to the other side.
We need to keep two things in mind:
ONE: HE IS LEADING.
Verse 3b says “He leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
If He is leading, that means that He is out front. I can see where He is going, so I follow Him.
Some of the paths to righteousness will be through valleys. He is the one who knows the paths even though we don’t know where He is going. He knows where He is going.
TWO: HE IS LEADING US THROUGH.
Note the word “through.” If we are going through, that means we must be coming out on the other side. I have heard it put this way: we don’t take up residence there in the valley. Some us do. We stay in the valley and never come out to the other side. Some of the paths we take on our journey to righteousness go through valleys. The idea is of “passing through.” When traveling to a specific destination, we “pass through” towns and cities, but we don’t stop there. We keep on going until we reach our destination. We are “passing through.” I don’t know if you have ever considered this, that we are “passing through” in this life. Heaven is our final destination. When we go “through” things it is not permanent. The Shepherd has also said that He would be with us as we go “through.” Consider these passages of Scripture:
Job 10:21-22
Before I go-- and I shall not return--
To the land of darkness and deep shadow;
The land of utter gloom as darkness itself,
Of deep shadow without order,
And which shines as the darkness." (NASB)
Psalm 84:6
Passing through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring,
The early rain also covers it with blessings. (NASB)
Psalm 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their bands apart. (NASB)
Isaiah 43:2-3
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
"For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place. (NASB)
I want to give you an illustration that I hope will solidify what I am saying here.
On my way to the library I passed through a small shopping center. I almost ran over a mother duck and her chicks. There were about 7 or 8 of them. What really caught my eye and made me stop to observe them for a little while was the fact that wherever the mother duck went, the chicks were closely behind her. When she stopped, they all came around to the front of her and huddled together. It was as though they were waiting for what she was going to do next. When she moved, they all moved right behind her. I didn’t see a chick stop and ask his mother where she was going nor did I see any of them wandering off from her. This went on for several minutes. The chicks stuck to her like glue. That’s the way we need to stick to the Lord when He is leading us. In the wilderness, whenever the cloud of the pillar of fire moved, the Israelites moved. When it stopped, they stopped. The Lord was leading them. I got the thinking about this later and it was amazing. Those little duck chicks were following their mother in a very dangerous place for them. Being in a shopping center, they could have easily all be run over by cars. It didn’t seem to matter to them, and I doubt very seriously if they were aware of it, but their only concern was following their mother wherever she went. Can we say that?
REVELATION:
If the Shepherd is leading, where is He?
He is up front, leading.
If I am a sheep, where am I?
I am behind the Shepherd following where He is leading me.
If He is leading me, and I am following Him, He will lead me to the green pastures and still waters and in the paths of righteousness that go through the valley of the shadow of death, or the valley of deep darkness.
He has not left me. He is still there. Somehow we get the impression that the Shepherd has taken off somewhere when we start walking through the valley. That is not true.
We get into trouble when we leave the Shepherd and decide to go our own way. We look around and wonder where the Shepherd went. He is exactly where you left Him. He hasn’t moved; you are the one who has moved.
I have to go through the valley of the shadow of death, or the valley of deep darkness. I walk through, not stop or stay there. I am passing through.
The Shepherd is never threatened by the deep darkness because He has been there and knows how to get through.
No matter how dark a place is, the Shepherd will lead His people through so that they fear no evil, because He is there to protect them, and they are comforted by his weapons.
Darkness represents the unknown and ignorance about something. I used to be ignorant about computers. I didn’t even know how to turn one on. Have you ever been “in the dark” about something? You don’t know why the adverse things that are happening to you are going on. We have all used the expression; “I’m in the dark.”
Light represents understanding and revelation. We have all used the expression, “I’ve seen the light” when we get an understanding of something. We have also seen in cartoons and in the comics a person with a light bulb over his head indicating the light being turned on about something. Now that I have some understanding about computers I am not in the dark about them. There are still some things about computers I don’t know, but as l learn more and more how to use a computer, my understanding increases.
Let’s look at this passage of Scripture:
Psalm 30:5
"For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning." (NASB)
It says that “weeping may last for the night. It’s dark at night right. When circumstances are pressing in on us, things seem like “there is no light at the end of the tunnel,” or it’s our “darkest hour,” we cry out. There is an experience I have read about that has happened to other Christians called “the dark night of the soul.” From what I have read about it, it’s a time when the Lord seems far away for a period of time. The people report that they really don’t know what is going on and are totally confused as to what is happening.
“But a shout of joy comes in the morning.” When it is morning, there is light. We come to the light at the end of the tunnel. The people who experience the “dark night of the soul” report that it’s like the morning light has broken in their lives and they experience fresh and vibrant fellowship with the Lord. There is joy.
We have to trust the Shepherd who is leading us through the unknown.
THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH
What is a “valley?”
A valley is a depression between mountains, a broad plain or plateau, a narrow ravine, or a low terrain.
It used figuratively of an obstacle that must be overcome. (Isaiah 40:4)
It is used figuratively of a grave danger, which one might experience.
It is often used to symbolize and refer to the difficulties of life
Why is “valley” used in this connection?
The path to the higher ground, the path to the higher walk in God, goes through the valley.
In the Christian life we often speak of wanting “to move onto higher ground with God.”
How we long to live above the lowlands of life. We want to get beyond the common crowd, to enter into a more intimate walk with God. We speak of mountaintop experiences and we envy those who have ascended the heights and entered into this more sublime sort of life.
Often we get an erroneous idea about how this takes place. It is as though we imagined we could be “air lifted” onto higher ground. On the rough trail of the Christian life this is not so.
As with ordinary sheep management, so with God’s people, one only gains higher ground by climbing up through the valleys. Every mountain has its valleys which are scarred by deep ravines, gulches, and draws.
Why does the shepherd leads this sheep through the valleys:
The first reason is that the best route to the top is always along the valleys.
Any sheep man familiar with the high country knows this.
It should be notices that the verse states, ”Yea, though I “walk through” the valley of the shadow of death.” It does not say I die there, stop there, go around it, or go under it, but rather “I walk through.”
It is customary to use this verse as a consolation to those who are passing through the dark valley of death. But even here, for the child of God, death is not an end but merely the door into a higher and more exalted life of intimate contact with the Good Shepherd Himself. Death is but the dark valley opening out into an eternity of delight with God. It is not something to fear, but an experience through which one passes on the path to a more perfect life. Unless the lord returns soon and we are caught up in the air to meet Him, we all will go through this valley.
The Good Shepherd knows this, for He passed through this valley Himself. It is one reason why He has told us, “Lo, I am with you always,” even in the valley of death. What a comfort and what a cheer to know this.
For those of us who remain on earth, there is still a life to live here and now. There are still valleys to walk through during our remaining days. These need not be “dead end” streets.
The disappointments; the frustrations; the discouragements; the dilemmas; the difficult days, though they may be shadowed valleys, need not be disasters. They can be the roads to the higher ground in our walk with God. After all, when we pause to think about it a moment, we must realize that even our modern mountain highways follow the valleys to reach the summit of the passes they traverse.
Similarly, the ways of God lead upward through the valleys of our lives. To come to this conviction in the Christian life is to have entered into an attitude of quiet acceptance of every adversity to have moved onto the higher ground with God. Knowing Him in this view and intimate manner makes life more bearable than before.
The second reason the sheep are taken to the mountain tops by the way of the valleys is that this is the way of gentlest grades, but also it is the well watered route.
Here one finds refreshing water all along the way. There are rivers, streams, springs and quiet pools in the deep defiles. The sheep are glad for the frequent watering places along the valley route where
As Christians we will sooner or later discover that it is in the valleys of our lives that we find refreshment from the Good Shepherd Himself. It is not until we have walked with Him through some very deep troubles that we discover He can leads us to find our refreshment in Him there in the midst of our difficulty. For the man or woman who walks with the Shepherd through these valleys such real and actual refreshment is available. We are thrilled beyond words when there comes restoration to our soul and spirits from His own gracious Spirit.
Only those who have been through such dark valleys can console, comfort or encourage others in similar situations. Often we pray or sing hymns requesting to be made an inspiration to someone else. We want instinctively to be a channel of blessing to other lives. The simple fact is that just as water can only flow in a ditch or channel or valley, son in the Christian’s life, the life of God can only flow in blessing through the valleys that have been carved out and cut into our own lives by excruciating experiences. It is only then that you can understand the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.”
If you do a word study of the word “comfort” it is translated in the Greek “encouragement.”
Re-read this passage and every where the word “comfort” appears, substitute it with “encourage/encouragement.”
It is only the person who has experienced the valleys in their own lives that can truly comfort and encourage another person who is traveling the same valley.
Most of us do not want valleys in our lives. We shrink from them with a sense of fear and foreboding. Yet in spite or our worst misgivings the Shepherd can bring great benefit and lasting benediction to others through these valleys.
Let us not try to avoid the dark things, the distressing days. They may well prove to be the way of greatest refreshment to ourselves and those around us.
A third reason why the rancher chooses to take his flock into the high country by way of the valleys is that this is generally where the richest feed and best forage is to be found along the route.
A shepherd wants to be sure there will not only be water but also the best grazing available for the ewes and their lambs. Generally the choices meadows are in these valleys along the stream banks. Naturally these grassy glades are often on the floor of steep wall canyons and gulches.
There may be towering cliffs above them on either side.
The valley floor itself may be in dark shadow with the sun seldom reaching the bottom except for a few hours. The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage points prey on his flock.
The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage points prey on his flock. He knows these valleys can be subject to sudden storms and flash floods that send walls of water rampaging down the slopes.
Our Shepherd knows all of this when He leads us through the valleys with Himself. He knows where we can find strength, sustenance, and gentle grazing despite every threat of disaster about us. It is a most reassuring and re-enforcing experience to the child of God to discover that there is even in the dark valley a source of strength and courage to be found in God. It is when we he or she can look back over life and see how the Shepherd’s hand has guided and sustained him or her in the darkest hours that renewed faith is engendered. Nothing so stimulates faith in our Heavenly Father than to look back and reflect on His faithfulness in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life. Over and over He has proved His care and concern for our welfare.
All of this multiples our confidence in Him. It is the spiritual as well as emotional and mental exposure to the storms and adversities of life that puts stamina into our very being. Because he has led us through without fear before, He can do it again and again. In this knowledge fear fades and tranquility of heart and mind takes its place.
Let come what may. Can you say that this very minute in the valley you may be experiencing right now?
Storms may break about me, predators may attack, and the rivers of reverses may threaten to inundate me. But because YAHWEH, the Lord my Shepherd, is in the situation with me right now, I shall not fear.
I SHALL NOT FEAR FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.
Because He is in the situation with me, I shall not fear.
17 times in the Bible the Lord says, “I am with you.” He has said that He will never leave us nor forsake us. I think He has made it quite clear to us. We just need to remember it.
To live this is to have taken some very long treks toward the high country of holy, calm, healthy living with God. Only the Christian who learns to live this way is able to encourage and inspire the weaker ones around him.
Too many of us are shaken up, frightened and panicked by the storms of life. Jesus had said to his disciples to get into a boat and we are going to the other side. After He got into the boat, He went to the back and went to sleep. About half way across the lake, a storm came and the panic-stricken disciples cried for Jesus to save them. Two things we need to remember about this story. One, Jesus had said we are going to the other side. We are “passing through” the lake. Jesus knew the storm was coming and you noticed He still took a nap. Second, the disciples had God Himself there in the boat with them. I don’t think that boat would have sunk with Jesus in it. They didn’t heed what He had said. This is a picture of some our lives. We are panic stricken in the middle of a dark valley, and we have the Shepherd living on the inside of us.
We claim to have confidence in Christ but when the first dark shadows sweep over us and the path we tread looks gloomy we go into a deep slump of despair. Sometimes we just feel like lying down and die. Does this sound like you sometimes? This is not as it should be.
The person with a powerful confidence in the Shepherd; the one who has prove by past experience that God is with him in adversity, the one who walks through life’s dark valley without fear with his head held high, is the one who in turn is a tower of strength and a source of inspiration to others.
There are going to be some valleys in life for all of us. No one is exempt. You can be assured that they are coming. You just don’t know when and where. The Good Shepherd Himself has assured us that:
“In this world we shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
The basic question is not whether we have many or few valleys. It is not whether those valleys are dark or merely dim with shadows.
The question is do I react to the circumstances or respond to them? There is a difference. When are panicking, you are reacting. When you respond, you are not.
How do I go through them?
How do I cope with the calamities that come my way?
With Christ I face them calmly.
With His gracious Spirit to guide me I face them fearlessly.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He is with me.
I know of a surety that only through them can I possibly travel on to higher ground with God.
In this way not only shall I be blessed but in turn I will become a benediction to others around me who may live in fear.
“Thy Rod and Thy Staff They Comfort Me”
Here is another good reason to not fear when I go through the valley of the shadow of death.
His rod and His staff comfort me.
His Word and His Spirit comfort me.
THE SHEPHERD’S ROD
When the shepherd is in the field with his flock in the high country, it is customary for him to carry a minimum of equipment.
This was especially true in olden times where the sheepman did not have the benefit of mechanized equipment to transport camp supplies across rough country.
During the hours that he is actually in the field the sheepman caries only a rifle slung over his shoulder and a long slender staff in his hand.
In the Middle East the shepherd carries only a rod and staff.
The rod is an extension of the owner’s own right arm
It stood as a symbol of his strength, his power; his authority in any serious situation.
The rod was what he relied on to safeguard both himself and his flock in danger. It was the instrument he used to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insisted on wandering away.
There is an interesting sidelight on the word “rod,” which has crept into the colloquial language of the West. Here the slang term “rod” has been applied to handguns, such as pistols and revolvers that were carried by cowboys and other western rangemen.
The connotation is exactly the same as that used in this Psalm.
The sheep asserts that the owner’s rod, his weapon of power, authority and defense, is a continuous comfort to him. For with it the manager or shepherd is able to carry out effective control of his flick in every situation.
The rod speaks of the spoken Word, the expressed intent, the extended activity of God’s mind and will in dealing with men.
It implies the authority of divinity
It carries with it the convicting power and irrefutable impact of “Thus saith the Lord.”
Just as for the sheep of David’s day, there was comfort and consolation is seeing the rod in the shepherd’s skillful hands, so in our day there is great assurance in our own hearts as we contemplate the power, veracity, and potent authority vested in God’s Word. For in it, the Scriptures are His rod. They are the extension of His mind and will and intentions to mortal man.
Living as we do in an era when numerous confused voices and strange philosophies are presented to people, it is reassuring to the child of God to turn to the Word of God and know it to be His Shepherd’s hand of authority. What a comfort to have this authoritative, clear-cut, powerful instrument under which to conduct ourselves. By it we are kept from confusion amid chaos.
This in itself brings into our lives a great sense of quiet serenity, which is precisely what the psalmist meant when he said, “thy rod comforts me.”
There is a second dimension in which the rod is used by the shepherd for the welfare of the sheep-namely that of discipline.
If anything, the rod is used for this purpose perhaps more than any other.
It is the Word of God that comes swiftly to our hearts that comes with surprising suddenness to correct and reprove us when we go astray.
It is the Spirit of the living God, using the living Word that convicts our conscience of right conduct.
In this way we are kept under control by Christ, who wants us to walk in the ways of righteousness.
Another interesting use of the rod in the shepherd’s hand was to examine and count sheep.
In the terminology of the Old Testament this was referred to as passing “under the rod.” (Ezekiel 20:37)
This meant not only coming under the owner’s control and authority, but also to be subject to his most careful, intimate and firsthand examination. A sheep that passed “under the rod” was one that had been counted and looked over with great care to make sure all was well with it.
In caring for his sheep, the good shepherd, the careful manager, will from time to time make a careful examination of each individual sheep.
As each animal comes out of the corral and through the gate it is stopped by the shepherd’s outstretched rod.
He opens the fleece with the rod; he runs his skillful hands over the body; he feels for any sign of trouble; he examines the sheep with care to see that all is well. This is a most searching process entailing every intimate detail. It is, too, a comfort to the sheep for only in this way can its hidden problems be laid bare before the shepherd.
Psalm 139:23-24 reads, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see it there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
It we allow it, if we will submit to it, God by His Word will search us. There will be no “pulling the wool over His eyes.” He will get below the surface, behind the front of our old self-life and expose things that need to be made right.
This is a process from which we need not shrink. It is not something to avoid.
It is done in concern and compassion for our welfare. The Great Shepherd of our souls has our own best interests at heart when He so searches us. What a comfort this should be to the child of God, who can trust in God’s care
Wool in Scripture speaks of the self-life, self-will, and self-assertion, self-pride. God has to get below this and do a deep work in our wills to right the wrongs, which are often bothering us beneath the surface. So often we put on a fine front and brave, bold exterior when really deep down below there needs to be some remedy applied.
Finally the shepherd’s rod is an instrument of protection both for himself and his sheep when they are in danger.
It is used both as a defense and a deterrent against anything that would attack. The skilled shepherd uses his rod to drive off predators. Often it is used to beat the brush discouraging snakes and other creatures from disturbing the flock.
It was the rod of God’s Word that Christ, our Good Shepherd, used in His own encounter with that serpent, Satan, during His desert temptation. It is the same Word of God that we can count on again and again to counter the assaults and attacks of Satan.
There is no substitute for the Scriptures in coping with the complexities of our social order. We live in an evermore involved and difficult milieu. We are part of a world of men and women whose code of conduct is contrary to all that Christ has advocated. To live with such people is to be ever exposed to enormous temptations of all sorts. Some people are very subtle, very smooth, very sophisticated. Others are capable of outright, violent, vituperative attacks against the children of God.
In every situation and under every circumstance there is comfort in the knowledge that God’s Word can meet and master the difficulty if well rely on it.
THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF
In a sense the staff, more than any other item of his personal equipment, identifies the shepherd as a shepherd. No one in any other profession carries a shepherd’s staff.
It is uniquely an instrument used for the care and management of sheep, and only sheep. It is used for their benefit.
The staff is essentially a symbol of the concern, the compassion that a shepherd has for his charges. No other single word can better describe its function on behalf of the flock than that it is for their comfort.
Whereas the rod conveys the concept of “authority”, the power, of discipline, of defense against danger, the word “staff” speaks of all that is longsuffering and kind.
The shepherd’s staff is normally a long, slender stick, often with a crook or hood on one end. The owner selects it with care; it is shaped, smoothed, and cut to best suit his own personal use.
Just as the rod of God is emblematic of the Word of God, so the staff of God is symbolic of the Spirit of God.
In Christ’s dealings with us as individuals, there is the essence of the sweetness, the comfort and consolation, the gentle correction brought about by the work of His gracious Spirit.
There are three areas of sheep management in which the staff plays a most significant role.
The first of these lies in drawing sheep together into an intimate relationship.
The shepherd will use his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and bring it to its mother if they become separated. He does this because he does not wish to have the ewe reject her offspring if it bears the odor of his hands upon it.
Secondly, in precisely the same way, the staff is used by the shepherd to reach out and catch individual sheep, young or old, and draw them closer to him for intimate examination. The staff is very useful this way for the shy and timid sheep that normally tend to keep at a distance from the shepherd.
Similarly, in the Christian life we find the gracious Holy Spirit, “The Comforter,” drawing folks together into a warm, personal fellowship with one another. It is He who draws us to Christ.
Thirdly, the staff is also used for guiding sheep.
The shepherd uses his staff to guide his sheep gently into a new path or through some gate or along dangerous, difficult routes. He does not use it actually to beat the sheep. Rather, the tip of the long slender stick is laid gently against the animal’s side and the pressure applied guides the sheep in the way the owner wants to go. Thus the sheep is reassured of its proper path.
Sometimes a shepherd will actually hold his staff against the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so the they “are in touch.” They will walk along this way almost as though it were “hand-in-hand.” The sheep obviously enjoys this special attention from the shepherd and revels in the close, personal, intimate contact between them.
In our walk with God we are told explicitly by Christ Himself that it would be His Spirit who would be sent to guide us and to lead us into all truth. (John 16:13)
This same gracious Spirit takes the truth of God, the Word of God, and makes it plain to our hearts and minds and spiritual understanding. It is He who gently, tenderly, but persistently says to us, “This is the way, walk in it.” As we comply and cooperate with His gentle promptings, a sense of safety, comfort and well-being envelopes us.
It is He, too, who comes quietly but emphatically to make the life of Christ, my Shepherd, real and personal and intimate to me. Through Him I am “in touch” with Christ. There steals over me the keen awareness that I am His and He is mine. The gracious Spirit continually brings home to me the acute consciousness that I am God’s child and He is my Father.
In all of this there is enormous comfort and a sublime sense of “oneness,” of “belonging,” of “being in His care,” and hence the object of His special affection.
The Christian life is not just one of subscribing to certain doctrines or believing certain facts.
Essential as all of this confidence in the Scriptures may be, there is, as well, the actual reality of experiencing and knowing firsthand the feel of His touch, the sense of His Spirit upon my spirit.
There is for the true child of God that intimate, subtle, yet magnificent experience of sensing the Comforter at his side. This is not imagination, it s the genuine, bona-fide reality of everyday life.
There is a calm, quiet repose in the knowledge that He is there to direct even in the most minute details of daily living.
He can be relied on to assist us in every decision, and in this there lies tremendous comfort for the Christian.
“What would You do in this case?”
“You are here now. You know all the complexities; tell me precisely what it the best procedure at this point?”
He will actually convey the mind of Christ in the matter. The right decisions are made with confidence.
It is when I do not do this that I end up in difficulty. It is then that I find myself in a jam of some sort.
Here again the gracious Spirit comes to my rescue just as the shepherd rescues his sheep out of the situations into which their own stupidity leads them. Being stubborn creatures, sheep often get into the most ridiculous and preposterous dilemmas. Many of our jams and impasses are of our own making. In stubborn, self-willed, self-assertion we keep pushing ourselves into a situation where we cannot extricate ourselves.
Then in tenderness, compassion and care our Shepherd comes to us. He draws near and in tenderness lifts us by His Spirit out of the difficulty a dilemma.
What patience God has with us!
What longsuffering and compassion!
What forgiveness!
Thy staff comforts me! Your Spirit, O Christ, Is my consolation!
Where are you right now? In the valley? Somewhere in the dark? Or are you coming to the light at the end of the tunnel?
This part of the teaching is a last minute inspiration from the Holy Spirit. I was really to publish this on the blog when I read the following which is taken from a devotional I read every morning.
The name of the devotional is “Breakfast With God” published by Honor Books Inc in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Heroic spiritual moments are nearly always grounded in advance preparation. Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s court, unknowingly being prepared for the day he would demand that Pharaoh let his people leave Egypt. Moses also spent 40 years in the wilderness.
Daniel was a man of prayer years before the king issued a decree banning prayer. The violation landed Daniel in a lion’s den, where his prayers of protection were answered.
David was part of Saul’s royal court and married to Saul’s daughter. This was part of his preparation for assuming the throne one day. The years, approximately 17, he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him, protect him, and help him rule an empire.
Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the “contest” to be queen. She prepared herself again before boldly coming to the king to expose the enemy of her people.
You may not see clearly what God’s purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact He is preparing your life. He will not waste a moment of your life. So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for greatness.
As I was reading this, what came to my mind was the fact that He will lead us into the valleys of the shadow of death, death to self. This is part of the preparation process. Every Christian will be lead through these valleys. You will not be the same person when you exit the valley. Something will have died. God is the one who determines which valley and how long. Go through it knowing that the Good Shepherd is what He said He will do in Philippians 1:6:
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. “ (NASB)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Psalm 23 Verse 3
He Restores My Soul
The basic meaning of the Hebrew word for “restore” means to return, implying physical movement or motion, and to revive the person emotionally, passionately, the entire person.
What is the “soul?”
What is meant is life, which consists of emotions, passions, drive, and appetites. It speaks of the entire person. The soul is different from the spirit.
Why does the Psalmist use “soul” instead of another term, such as “body?”
When we talk about the soul, it refers to the mind, will, and the emotions. It is where we are hurt and harbor out hurts.
Why does the Shepherd restore the Psalmist soul?
There are two reasons.
The first one is that the Shepherd wants to restore our soul to its former position of being submitted to our spirit. Our spirit should rule us, not our soul.
When our soul rules, we walk according to the flesh, and to our emotions. When this happens, we are not walking according to the Spirit. The Shepherd leads us by His Spirit in our spirit.
When we are Spirit led, our soul is in its proper place and not ruling us.
Our spirit is what is born again, so our minds need to be renewed to the ways of God.
In what specific ways is such a restoration accomplished?
It is accomplished by reading and meditating on the Word; by confession, by prayer, and becoming saturated in the Spirit.
The second reason is that in studying this Psalm we must always remember that it is a sheep in the Good Shepherd’s care that is speaking. It is essentially a Christian’s claim of belonging in the family of God. As such he boasts of the benefits of such a relationship.
This being the case, one might well ask, “Why then this statement, He restores my soul?”
Surely it would be assumed that anyone in the Good Shepherd’s care could never become so distressed in soul as to need restoration?
This does happen.
Let’s look at Psalm 42:11:
“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance, and my God.” (NASB)
Only those intimately acquainted with sheep and their habits understand the significance of a “cast” sheep or a “cast down” sheep.
This is an Old English shepherd’s tem for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. A “cast” sheep is a pathetic sight. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flays away frantically, struggling to stand up, but generally it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration.
It the owner does not arrive on the scene within a reasonable short time, the sheep will die.
It is not only the shepherd who keeps a sharp eye out for cast sheep, but predators are also watching. A cast sheep is easy prey and death is not far off.
When you are in this position, the devil pounces on you before you know it.
There was a time in my life several years ago that I experience a period of depression. It seemed like falling into a deep hole with not way out. Each day seemed like more weight had been added on my mind. But the Lord brought me out of it. Every person at sometime in their lives will feel like a “cast sheep.”
Matthew 18:11-12
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?”
Many people have the idea that when a child of God falls, when he is frustrated and helpless in a spiritual dilemma, God becomes disgusted, fed-up and even furious with him or her.
This simply is not so.
One of the great revelations of the heart of God given to us by Christ is that of Himself as our Shepherd.
He has the same identical sensations of anxiety, concern and compassion for cast men and women as a shepherd has for his sheep
.
That is precisely why He looked on people with such pathos and compassion. (Matthew 9:36)
It explains His magnanimous dealing with down and out individuals for whom even human society had no use.
It reveals why He wept over those who spurned His affections.
It discloses His depth of His understanding of undone people to whom He came eagerly and quickly, ready to help, to save, to restore.
Let’s take the example of Peter. Here is a man that denied Jesus three times and the Bible says that he wept bitterly after the rooster crowed and Jesus turned around and looked at him. Peter must have really felt bad, cast down, because of what he did. But you know, after the resurrection the Lord appeared to His disciples and was looking for Peter. We find Jesus restoring Peter in the 20th chapter of John’s Gospel.
So He comes quietly, gently, reassuringly to me no matter when or where or how I may be cast down.
Psalm 56:23: We are given an accurate commentary on this aspect of the Christian’s life in these words: “Thou has delivered my soul from death; wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”
We have to be realistic about the life of the child of God and face facts as they really are.
Most of us, though we belong to Christ and desire to be under His control and endeavor to allow ourselves to be led by Him, do on occasion find ourselves cast down.
We discover that often when we are most sure of ourselves we stumble and fall. (I Cor 10:12)
Sometimes when we appear to be flourishing in our faith we find ourselves in a situation of utter frustration and futility.
Admittedly this may appear as one other paradoxes and enigmas of our spiritual lives.
When we examine it carefully, however, we will not find it too difficult to understand.
As with sheep, so with Christians, some basic principles and parallels apply which will help us grasp the way in which a man or woman can be “cast”:
FIRST: There is the idea of looking for a soft spot.
The sheep that choose the comfortable, soft, rounded hollows in the ground in which to lie down very often become cast.
In such a situation it so easy to roll over on their backs.
In the Christian life there is great danger in always looking for the easy place, the cozy corner, the comfortable position where there is no hardship, no need for endurance, no demand upon self-discipline.
The time when we think “we have it made’” so to speak, is actually when we are in mortal danger.
There is such a thing as the discipline of poverty and privation, which can be self-imposed to do us a world of good.
Sometimes if through self indulgence, I am unwilling to forfeit or forego the soft life, the easy way, the cozy corner, then the good Shepherd may well move me to a pasture where things aren’t quite so comfortable, not only for my own good but also His benefit as well.
SECOND: There is the aspect of a sheep having too much wool.
¨ Often when the fleece becomes very long and heavily matted with mud, manure, burrs, and other debris, it is much easier for a sheep to become cast, literally weighted down with its own wool.
Wool in Scripture depicts the old self-life in the Christian.
It is an outward expression of an inner attitude, the assertion of my own desire and hopes and aspirations.
It is the area of my life in which and through which I am continually in contact with the world around me.
Here is where I find the clinging accumulations of things, possessions of worldly ideas beginning to weigh me down; drag me down, hold me down.
It is significant that no high priest was ever allowed to wear wool when he entered the Holy of Holies.
This spoke of self, of pride, of personal preference and God could not tolerate it.
If I wish to go on walking with God and not be forever cast down, this is an aspect of my life in which He must deal with drastically.
In dealing with our old self life, there will come a day when the Master must take us in hand and apply the keen cutting edge of His Word to our lives. (Hebrews 4:12)
It may be an unpleasant business for a time.
No doubt we’ll struggle and kick about it.
We may get a few cuts and wounds.
But what a relief when it is over.
The pleasure of being set free from ourselves.
THIRD: There is the aspect of cast sheep simply being too fat.
Over fat sheep are neither the healthiest nor the most productive.
It is the fattest that most often are cast.
Their weight simply makes it that much harder for them to be agile and nimble on their feet.
Once a shepherd even suspects that his sheep are becoming cast for this reason, he will take long range steps to correct the problem.
Turning to the Christian life we are confronted with the same sort of problem.
There is the man or woman, who because they may have done well in business or their careers or their homes, feel that they are flourishing and have “arrived.”
They may have a sense of well being and self-assurance, which in itself is dangerous.
Often when we re most sure of ourselves we are the most prone to fall flat.
In the warning to the church in Revelation 3:17, God points out that though some considered themselves rich and affluent, they were actually in desperate danger.
The same point was made by Jesus in His account of the wealthy farmer who intended to build more and bigger barns, but who, in fact, faced utter ruin.
Material success is no measure of spiritual health.
Nor is apparent affluence any criteria of real godliness.
And it is well for us that the Shepherd of our souls sees through this exterior and takes steps to set things right.
He may well impose on us dome sort of “diet” or “discipline” which we may find a bit rough and unpalatable at first.
But again we need to reassure ourselves that it is for our own good, because He is fond of us and for His own reputation as the Good Shepherd.
In Hebrews 12, we read how God chooses to discipline those He loves.
At the time it may prove a tough routine.
But the deeper truth is that afterward it produces a life of repose and tranquility free from the fret and frustration of being cast down live a helpless sheep.
The toughness it takes to face life and the formidable reverses, which it brings to us, can come only through the discipline of endurance and hardship.
In His mercy and love our Master makes this a part of our program.
It is part of the price of belonging to Him.
We may rest assured that He will never expect us or ask us to face more that we can stand. (I Corinthians 10:13)
But what He does expose us to will strengthen and fortify our faith and confidence in His control.
If He is the Good Shepherd, we can rest assured that He knows what He is doing.
This is and of itself should be sufficient to continually refresh and restore my soul.
I know of nothing that so quiets and enlivens my own spiritual life as the knowledge that “GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING WITH ME.”
He restores my soul.
He Leads Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Names Sake
The Hebrew word for guides (leads) denotes an orderly conducting of an animal (or a group of people) to an intended destination either by forcible driving or by leading.
“Guides” is qualified by three prepositional phrases. The first two “in the paths of righteousness” indicates the direction of the guidance. The third, “for His names’ sake,” denotes the reason for the guidance.
“Paths” is plural rather than singular. The paths in which the Psalmist is guided are described as “paths” of righteousness.
Why is the term “paths” used in this connection both literally and figuratively?
There are two contrasting paths that are a common image rival ways of life in Hebrew wisdom and literature.
There is the path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14) who forget God and their paths are crooked. (Proverbs 2:15)(Job 8:13)
The alternate path is called the path of God and of light. Compare Psalm 17:5; Psalm 25:4, and Job 24:13. This path entails living by the commands or instructions of the Lord. ((Psalm 119:35. 105)(Proverbs 10:17)
The reward of following this path is life, are found in Proverbs 2:19; Proverbs 5:6; Proverbs 10:17; and Psalm 16:11.
Go back to the leading of the Israelites out of Egypt and through the forty years in the wilderness. The Lord didn’t come up behind them with a bullwhip or cattle prod to move the people. The fire was by night and the cloud was by day leading them where He wanted to go. When it stopped, they stopped. When it moved, they moved.
A guide in a city or, wherever they may be, is always out in front leading the tourists to the right places. He knows where he is going. He knows where everything is. He knows where to stay away from.
Sheep are notorious creatures of habit. If left to themselves they will follow the same trails until they become ruts; graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes; pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites.
A commonly held but serous misconception about sheep is that they can just “get along anywhere”.
The truth is quite the reverse.
No other class of livestock require more careful handling; more detailed direction, than do sheep.
If the flock was to flourish and the owner’s reputation was to be held in high esteem as a good manager, the sheep had to be constantly under his meticulous control and guidance.
Instead of being managed and handled with intelligent care, being left to struggle for themselves; left to the whims of their own destructive bits, the land can become “sheeped to death.”
Because of the behavior of sheep and their preference for certain favored spots, these well-worn areas become quickly infested with parasites of all kinds. In short time a whole flock can become infested.
The final upshot is that both land and owner are ruined while the sheep become thin, wasted, and sickly.
The intelligent shepherd is aware of all this.
Not only just for the welfare of this sheep and for the health of his land, but also for this own sake and reputation as a rancher, he must take the necessary precautions to safeguard against these adverse animal traits. Such habits, in themselves, comprise very serious hazards.
The greatest single safeguard in which a shepherd has in handling his flock is to keep them on the move. They dare not be left on the same ground too long. They must be shifted from pasture to pasture periodically.
Why?
It prevents overgrazing of the forage.
It avoids the rutting of trails and erosion of land from over use.
It forestalls the infestation of the sheep with internal parasites or disease, since the sheep move off the infested ground before these organisms complete their life cycles.
¨
In a word:
There must be a predetermined plan of action.
There must be a planned rotation from one grazing ground to another in live with right and proper principles of sound management.
This is precisely the sort of action and the idea David had in mind when he spoke of being led in paths or righteousness.
In this following of a precise plan of operation lies the secret for healthy flocks and healthy land.
Here is the key to successful sheep husbandry.
The owner’s entire name and reputation depends on how effectively and efficiently he keeps his charges moving onto wholesome, fresh forage.
THE ONE WHO DIRECTS HIS FLOCK ALONG THIS COURSE IS SURE OF SUCCESS.
The success enjoyed in sheep ranching must be attributed to this care in managing the flock.
Coupled with this entire concept of management, there is of course the owner’s intimate knowledge of his pastures:
He has been all over this ground again and again.
He knows its every advantage and every drawback.
He knows where his flock will thrive and he is aware of where the feed is poor.
So he acts accordingly.
A point worthy of mention is that whenever the shepherd opens a gate into a fresh pasture, the sheep are filled with excitement.
How they enjoy being led onto new ground.
As we turn to the human aspect of this theme we will be astonished at some of the parallels.
It is no mere whim on God’s part to call us sheep.
Our behavior patterns and life habits are so much like that of sheep it is nigh embarrassing.
First of all Scripture points out that most of us are a stiff-necked and stubborn lot.
We prefer to follow our own fancies and turn to our own way.
Isaiah 53: “All we are like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.”
And this we do deliberately, repeatedly, even to our own disadvantage.
There is something almost terrifying about the destructive habits and self-determination of a human being. It is inexorably interlocked with personal pride and self-assertion. We insist
We insist we know what is best for us even though the disastrous results may be self-evident.
Just as sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly, follow one another along the same little trails, until they become ruts that erode into gigantic gullies, so we humans cling to the same habits that we have see ruin other lives.
Turning to “my own way” simply means doing what I want. It implies that I feel free to assert my own wished and carry out my own ideas.
Proverbs 14:2; 16:25: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
In contrast to which Christ the Good Shepherd comes gently and says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
(John 10:10) “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
The difficult point is that most of us don’t want to come.
Why?
We don’t want to follow.
We don’t want to be led in the paths of righteousness.
Somehow it goes against our grain.
We actually prefer to turn to our own way even though it may take us straight into trouble.
The stubborn, self-willed, proud, self-sufficient sheep that persists in pursuing its old paths, and grazing on its old polluted ground will end up a bag of bones on ruined land. The world we live in is full of such people.
Broken homes, broken hearts, derelict lives and twisted personalities remind us everywhere of men and women who have gone their own way.
We have a sick society struggling to survive on beleaguered land.
The greed and selfishness of mankind leaves behind a legacy of ruin and remorse.
Amid all this chaos and confusion Christ the Good Shepherd comes and says: “If any man will follow me, let him deny himself daily and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)
But most of us, even as Christians, simply don’t want to do this:
We don’t want to deny ourselves.
We don’t want to give up our right to make our own decisions.
We don’t want to follow.
We don’t want to be led.
Most of us, if confronted with this charge, would deny it. We would assert vehemently that we are “led of the Lord.” We would insist that we would follow wherever He leads.
We sing songs to this effect and given mental assent to the idea.
But as far as being led in paths of righteousness is concerned, precious few of us follow that path.
Actually this the pivot point on which a Christian either “goes on” with God, or at which point he “goes back” from following on.
There are many willful, wayward indifferent, self-interested Christians who cannot really be classified as followers of Christ.
There are relatively few diligent disciples who forsake all to follow the Master.
Jesus never made light of the cost involved in following Him:
He made it painfully clear that it was a rugged life of rigid self-denial.
It entailed a whole new set of attitudes.
It was not the natural, normal way a person would ordinarily live and this is what made the price so prohibitive to most people.
In brief there are 7 fresh attitudes that have to be acquired.
They are the equivalent of progressive toward movement onto new ground with God.
If one follows them, they will discover fresh pasturage, new abundant life; and increased health, wholesomeness and holiness, in their walk with God.
Nothing will please Him more and most certainly no other activity on our part will or can result in as great benefit to other lives around us.
The 7 Attitudes are:
ATTITUDE NUMBER ONE: INSTEAD OF LOVING MYSELF MOST I AM WILLING TO LOVE CHRIST BEST AND OTHERS MORE THAN MYSELF
Love is deliberate act of my will.
It means that I am willing to lay down my life, lay myself out, and put myself out on behalf of others. (I John 3:16)
The moment I deliberately do something definite, either for God or others that costs me something, I am expressing love.
Love is:
Selflessness
Self-sacrifice
In contradiction to selfishness
Most of us know little of living like this or being “led” in this right way.
Once a person discovers the delight of doing something for others, he has started through the gate being led into one of God’s green pastures.
ATTITUDE NUMBER TWO: INSTEAD OF BEING ONE OF THE CROWD, I AM WILLING TO BE SINGLED OUT, SET APART FROM THE GANG.
Most of us, like sheep, are pretty gregarious. we want to belong.
We don’t want to be different in a deep, distinctive way, though we may wish to be different in minor details that appeal to our selfish egos.
Christ pointed out that only a few would find His way acceptable.
To be marked as one of His would mean a certain amount of criticism and sarcasm from a cynical society. Many of us don't want this.
Just as He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, so we may be.
Instead of adding to the sorrow and sadness of society, we may be called on to help bear some of the burdens of others, to enter into the suffering of others.
Are we ready to do this?
ATTITUDE NUMBER THREE: INSTEAD OF INSISTING ON MY RIGHTS, I AM WILLING TO FOREGO THEM IN FAVOR OF OTHERS.
This is what the Master meant by denying one’s self. It's not easy, nor normal, nor natural to do this.
Even in the loving atmosphere of the home, self-assertion is pretty evident and the powerful exercise of individual rights is always apparent.
The person who is willing to pocket his pride, to take a back seat; to play second fiddle without a feeling of being abused or put upon, has gone a long way onto new ground with God.
There is a tremendous emancipation from “self” in this attitude. One is set free from the shackles of personal pride. It's prettyhard to hurt such a person.
He who has so sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated.
Somehow such people enjoy a wholesome outlook of carefree abandon that makes their Christian lives contagious with contentment and gaiety.
ATITUDE NUMBER FOUR: INSTEAD OF BEING ‘BOSS’ I AM WILLING TO BE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HEAP.
To use sheep terminology, instead of being “TOP RAM” I am will be to be a “TAILENDER”.
When the desire for self-assertion, self-aggrandizement, self-pleasing give way to the desire for simply pleasing God and others, much of the fret and strain is drained away from daily living.
A hallmark of the serene should be the absence of “drive”, at least “drive” for self-determination.
The person who is prepared to put his personal life and personal affairs in the Master’s hands for His management and direction has found the place of rest and in fresh fields each day.
These are the ones who find time and energy to please others.
ATTITUDE NUMBER FIVE: INSTEAD OF FINDING FAULT WITH LIFE AND ALWAYS ASKING ‘WHY’, I AM WILLING TO ACCEPT EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF LIFE IN AN ATITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
Human beings, being what they are, somehow feel entitled to question the reason for everything that happens to them. In many instances life itself becomes a continuous criticism and dissection of one's circumstances and acquaitances.
We look for someone or something on which to pin the blame for our misfortunes.
We are quick to forget our blessings, and slow to forget our misfortunes.
If one really believes his affairs are in God’s hands, every event, no matter whether joyous or tragic, will be taken as part of God’s plan.
To know beyond doubt that He does all for our welfare is to be led into a wide area of peace and quietness and strength for every situation.
ATTITUDE NUMBER SIX: INSTEAD OF EXERCISING AND ASSERTING MY WILL, I LEARN TO COOPERATE WITH HIS WISHES AND COMPLY WITH HIS WILL.
It must be noted that all the steps outlined here involve ” the will.”
When a man or woman allows his or her will to be crossed out, canceling the “I” in their decisions, then instead the Cross has been applied in that life.
This is the meaning of taking up one’s cross daily, to go to one’s death, no longer my will in this matter, but His will be done.
ATTITUDE NUMBER SEVEN: INSTEAD OF CHOOSING MY OWN WAY, I AM WILLING TO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST’S WAY, SIMPLY TO DO WHAT HE ASKS ME TO DO.
This basically is simple, straightforward obedience. It means I just do what He asks me to do.
I go where He invites me to go.
I say what He instructs me to say.
I act and react in the manner He maintains is in my own best interest as well as for His reputation, if I am His follower.
Most of us possess a formidable amount of factual information on what the Master expects of us.
The person who decides to do what God asks him has moved onto fresh ground, which will do both him and others a world of good.
Besides, it will please the Good Shepherd no end.
God wants us to walk with Him.
He wants us to move on with Him.
He wants it not only for our welfare, but for the benefit of others as well as His own dear reputation.
Perhaps there are those who think He expects too much of us.
Maybe they feel the demands are too drastic.
It would be if we had to depend on self-determination or self-discipline to succeed.
But if we are in earnest about wanting to do His will and to be led, He makes this possible by His own gracious Spirit who is given to those who obey.
For it is He who works in us both to “will and “to do” of His good pleasure.
For His Name’s Sake
Why does He do this for His Name’s sake?
Because of His nature.
God’s love and care are wholly in keeping with His character.
His name, “YAHWEH ROHI” denotes His “pastoral” character.
He will not lead me somewhere that is contrary to His “pastoral” character.
This illustration is taken from Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest”:
In the Old Testament, a person’s relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person’s life. This separation is exhibited in the life of Abraham by his separation from his country and his family. When we think of separation today, we do not mean to be literally separated from those family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, but to be separated mentally and morally from their viewpoints. This is what Jesus Christ was referring to in Luke 14:26.
Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding or reason, a life of knowing Him who calls us to go. Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest traps we fall into is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world.
The final stage in the life of faith is the attainment of character, and we encounter many changes in the process. We feel the presence of God around us when we pray; yet we are only momentarily changed. We tend too keep going back to our everyday ways and the glory vanishes. A life of faith is not a life of one mountain top experience after another, like soaring on eagle’s wings, but it is a life of day in and day out consistency, a life of walking without fainting. (Isaiah 40:31) It is not even a question of the holiness of sanctification, but of something which come much further down the road. It is a faith that has been tried and proved and has withstood the test. Abraham is not a type or an example of the holiness of sanctification, but a type of the life of faith, a faith, tested and true, built on the true God.
Abraham knew God as his YAHWEH ROHI. He allowed himself to be led not knowing where he was going.
The basic meaning of the Hebrew word for “restore” means to return, implying physical movement or motion, and to revive the person emotionally, passionately, the entire person.
What is the “soul?”
What is meant is life, which consists of emotions, passions, drive, and appetites. It speaks of the entire person. The soul is different from the spirit.
Why does the Psalmist use “soul” instead of another term, such as “body?”
When we talk about the soul, it refers to the mind, will, and the emotions. It is where we are hurt and harbor out hurts.
Why does the Shepherd restore the Psalmist soul?
There are two reasons.
The first one is that the Shepherd wants to restore our soul to its former position of being submitted to our spirit. Our spirit should rule us, not our soul.
When our soul rules, we walk according to the flesh, and to our emotions. When this happens, we are not walking according to the Spirit. The Shepherd leads us by His Spirit in our spirit.
When we are Spirit led, our soul is in its proper place and not ruling us.
Our spirit is what is born again, so our minds need to be renewed to the ways of God.
In what specific ways is such a restoration accomplished?
It is accomplished by reading and meditating on the Word; by confession, by prayer, and becoming saturated in the Spirit.
The second reason is that in studying this Psalm we must always remember that it is a sheep in the Good Shepherd’s care that is speaking. It is essentially a Christian’s claim of belonging in the family of God. As such he boasts of the benefits of such a relationship.
This being the case, one might well ask, “Why then this statement, He restores my soul?”
Surely it would be assumed that anyone in the Good Shepherd’s care could never become so distressed in soul as to need restoration?
This does happen.
Let’s look at Psalm 42:11:
“Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance, and my God.” (NASB)
Only those intimately acquainted with sheep and their habits understand the significance of a “cast” sheep or a “cast down” sheep.
This is an Old English shepherd’s tem for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. A “cast” sheep is a pathetic sight. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flays away frantically, struggling to stand up, but generally it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration.
It the owner does not arrive on the scene within a reasonable short time, the sheep will die.
It is not only the shepherd who keeps a sharp eye out for cast sheep, but predators are also watching. A cast sheep is easy prey and death is not far off.
When you are in this position, the devil pounces on you before you know it.
There was a time in my life several years ago that I experience a period of depression. It seemed like falling into a deep hole with not way out. Each day seemed like more weight had been added on my mind. But the Lord brought me out of it. Every person at sometime in their lives will feel like a “cast sheep.”
Matthew 18:11-12
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. "What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying?”
Many people have the idea that when a child of God falls, when he is frustrated and helpless in a spiritual dilemma, God becomes disgusted, fed-up and even furious with him or her.
This simply is not so.
One of the great revelations of the heart of God given to us by Christ is that of Himself as our Shepherd.
He has the same identical sensations of anxiety, concern and compassion for cast men and women as a shepherd has for his sheep
.
That is precisely why He looked on people with such pathos and compassion. (Matthew 9:36)
It explains His magnanimous dealing with down and out individuals for whom even human society had no use.
It reveals why He wept over those who spurned His affections.
It discloses His depth of His understanding of undone people to whom He came eagerly and quickly, ready to help, to save, to restore.
Let’s take the example of Peter. Here is a man that denied Jesus three times and the Bible says that he wept bitterly after the rooster crowed and Jesus turned around and looked at him. Peter must have really felt bad, cast down, because of what he did. But you know, after the resurrection the Lord appeared to His disciples and was looking for Peter. We find Jesus restoring Peter in the 20th chapter of John’s Gospel.
So He comes quietly, gently, reassuringly to me no matter when or where or how I may be cast down.
Psalm 56:23: We are given an accurate commentary on this aspect of the Christian’s life in these words: “Thou has delivered my soul from death; wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.”
We have to be realistic about the life of the child of God and face facts as they really are.
Most of us, though we belong to Christ and desire to be under His control and endeavor to allow ourselves to be led by Him, do on occasion find ourselves cast down.
We discover that often when we are most sure of ourselves we stumble and fall. (I Cor 10:12)
Sometimes when we appear to be flourishing in our faith we find ourselves in a situation of utter frustration and futility.
Admittedly this may appear as one other paradoxes and enigmas of our spiritual lives.
When we examine it carefully, however, we will not find it too difficult to understand.
As with sheep, so with Christians, some basic principles and parallels apply which will help us grasp the way in which a man or woman can be “cast”:
FIRST: There is the idea of looking for a soft spot.
The sheep that choose the comfortable, soft, rounded hollows in the ground in which to lie down very often become cast.
In such a situation it so easy to roll over on their backs.
In the Christian life there is great danger in always looking for the easy place, the cozy corner, the comfortable position where there is no hardship, no need for endurance, no demand upon self-discipline.
The time when we think “we have it made’” so to speak, is actually when we are in mortal danger.
There is such a thing as the discipline of poverty and privation, which can be self-imposed to do us a world of good.
Sometimes if through self indulgence, I am unwilling to forfeit or forego the soft life, the easy way, the cozy corner, then the good Shepherd may well move me to a pasture where things aren’t quite so comfortable, not only for my own good but also His benefit as well.
SECOND: There is the aspect of a sheep having too much wool.
¨ Often when the fleece becomes very long and heavily matted with mud, manure, burrs, and other debris, it is much easier for a sheep to become cast, literally weighted down with its own wool.
Wool in Scripture depicts the old self-life in the Christian.
It is an outward expression of an inner attitude, the assertion of my own desire and hopes and aspirations.
It is the area of my life in which and through which I am continually in contact with the world around me.
Here is where I find the clinging accumulations of things, possessions of worldly ideas beginning to weigh me down; drag me down, hold me down.
It is significant that no high priest was ever allowed to wear wool when he entered the Holy of Holies.
This spoke of self, of pride, of personal preference and God could not tolerate it.
If I wish to go on walking with God and not be forever cast down, this is an aspect of my life in which He must deal with drastically.
In dealing with our old self life, there will come a day when the Master must take us in hand and apply the keen cutting edge of His Word to our lives. (Hebrews 4:12)
It may be an unpleasant business for a time.
No doubt we’ll struggle and kick about it.
We may get a few cuts and wounds.
But what a relief when it is over.
The pleasure of being set free from ourselves.
THIRD: There is the aspect of cast sheep simply being too fat.
Over fat sheep are neither the healthiest nor the most productive.
It is the fattest that most often are cast.
Their weight simply makes it that much harder for them to be agile and nimble on their feet.
Once a shepherd even suspects that his sheep are becoming cast for this reason, he will take long range steps to correct the problem.
Turning to the Christian life we are confronted with the same sort of problem.
There is the man or woman, who because they may have done well in business or their careers or their homes, feel that they are flourishing and have “arrived.”
They may have a sense of well being and self-assurance, which in itself is dangerous.
Often when we re most sure of ourselves we are the most prone to fall flat.
In the warning to the church in Revelation 3:17, God points out that though some considered themselves rich and affluent, they were actually in desperate danger.
The same point was made by Jesus in His account of the wealthy farmer who intended to build more and bigger barns, but who, in fact, faced utter ruin.
Material success is no measure of spiritual health.
Nor is apparent affluence any criteria of real godliness.
And it is well for us that the Shepherd of our souls sees through this exterior and takes steps to set things right.
He may well impose on us dome sort of “diet” or “discipline” which we may find a bit rough and unpalatable at first.
But again we need to reassure ourselves that it is for our own good, because He is fond of us and for His own reputation as the Good Shepherd.
In Hebrews 12, we read how God chooses to discipline those He loves.
At the time it may prove a tough routine.
But the deeper truth is that afterward it produces a life of repose and tranquility free from the fret and frustration of being cast down live a helpless sheep.
The toughness it takes to face life and the formidable reverses, which it brings to us, can come only through the discipline of endurance and hardship.
In His mercy and love our Master makes this a part of our program.
It is part of the price of belonging to Him.
We may rest assured that He will never expect us or ask us to face more that we can stand. (I Corinthians 10:13)
But what He does expose us to will strengthen and fortify our faith and confidence in His control.
If He is the Good Shepherd, we can rest assured that He knows what He is doing.
This is and of itself should be sufficient to continually refresh and restore my soul.
I know of nothing that so quiets and enlivens my own spiritual life as the knowledge that “GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING WITH ME.”
He restores my soul.
He Leads Me In The Paths Of Righteousness For His Names Sake
The Hebrew word for guides (leads) denotes an orderly conducting of an animal (or a group of people) to an intended destination either by forcible driving or by leading.
“Guides” is qualified by three prepositional phrases. The first two “in the paths of righteousness” indicates the direction of the guidance. The third, “for His names’ sake,” denotes the reason for the guidance.
“Paths” is plural rather than singular. The paths in which the Psalmist is guided are described as “paths” of righteousness.
Why is the term “paths” used in this connection both literally and figuratively?
There are two contrasting paths that are a common image rival ways of life in Hebrew wisdom and literature.
There is the path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:14) who forget God and their paths are crooked. (Proverbs 2:15)(Job 8:13)
The alternate path is called the path of God and of light. Compare Psalm 17:5; Psalm 25:4, and Job 24:13. This path entails living by the commands or instructions of the Lord. ((Psalm 119:35. 105)(Proverbs 10:17)
The reward of following this path is life, are found in Proverbs 2:19; Proverbs 5:6; Proverbs 10:17; and Psalm 16:11.
Go back to the leading of the Israelites out of Egypt and through the forty years in the wilderness. The Lord didn’t come up behind them with a bullwhip or cattle prod to move the people. The fire was by night and the cloud was by day leading them where He wanted to go. When it stopped, they stopped. When it moved, they moved.
A guide in a city or, wherever they may be, is always out in front leading the tourists to the right places. He knows where he is going. He knows where everything is. He knows where to stay away from.
Sheep are notorious creatures of habit. If left to themselves they will follow the same trails until they become ruts; graze the same hills until they turn to desert wastes; pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites.
A commonly held but serous misconception about sheep is that they can just “get along anywhere”.
The truth is quite the reverse.
No other class of livestock require more careful handling; more detailed direction, than do sheep.
If the flock was to flourish and the owner’s reputation was to be held in high esteem as a good manager, the sheep had to be constantly under his meticulous control and guidance.
Instead of being managed and handled with intelligent care, being left to struggle for themselves; left to the whims of their own destructive bits, the land can become “sheeped to death.”
Because of the behavior of sheep and their preference for certain favored spots, these well-worn areas become quickly infested with parasites of all kinds. In short time a whole flock can become infested.
The final upshot is that both land and owner are ruined while the sheep become thin, wasted, and sickly.
The intelligent shepherd is aware of all this.
Not only just for the welfare of this sheep and for the health of his land, but also for this own sake and reputation as a rancher, he must take the necessary precautions to safeguard against these adverse animal traits. Such habits, in themselves, comprise very serious hazards.
The greatest single safeguard in which a shepherd has in handling his flock is to keep them on the move. They dare not be left on the same ground too long. They must be shifted from pasture to pasture periodically.
Why?
It prevents overgrazing of the forage.
It avoids the rutting of trails and erosion of land from over use.
It forestalls the infestation of the sheep with internal parasites or disease, since the sheep move off the infested ground before these organisms complete their life cycles.
¨
In a word:
There must be a predetermined plan of action.
There must be a planned rotation from one grazing ground to another in live with right and proper principles of sound management.
This is precisely the sort of action and the idea David had in mind when he spoke of being led in paths or righteousness.
In this following of a precise plan of operation lies the secret for healthy flocks and healthy land.
Here is the key to successful sheep husbandry.
The owner’s entire name and reputation depends on how effectively and efficiently he keeps his charges moving onto wholesome, fresh forage.
THE ONE WHO DIRECTS HIS FLOCK ALONG THIS COURSE IS SURE OF SUCCESS.
The success enjoyed in sheep ranching must be attributed to this care in managing the flock.
Coupled with this entire concept of management, there is of course the owner’s intimate knowledge of his pastures:
He has been all over this ground again and again.
He knows its every advantage and every drawback.
He knows where his flock will thrive and he is aware of where the feed is poor.
So he acts accordingly.
A point worthy of mention is that whenever the shepherd opens a gate into a fresh pasture, the sheep are filled with excitement.
How they enjoy being led onto new ground.
As we turn to the human aspect of this theme we will be astonished at some of the parallels.
It is no mere whim on God’s part to call us sheep.
Our behavior patterns and life habits are so much like that of sheep it is nigh embarrassing.
First of all Scripture points out that most of us are a stiff-necked and stubborn lot.
We prefer to follow our own fancies and turn to our own way.
Isaiah 53: “All we are like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.”
And this we do deliberately, repeatedly, even to our own disadvantage.
There is something almost terrifying about the destructive habits and self-determination of a human being. It is inexorably interlocked with personal pride and self-assertion. We insist
We insist we know what is best for us even though the disastrous results may be self-evident.
Just as sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly, follow one another along the same little trails, until they become ruts that erode into gigantic gullies, so we humans cling to the same habits that we have see ruin other lives.
Turning to “my own way” simply means doing what I want. It implies that I feel free to assert my own wished and carry out my own ideas.
Proverbs 14:2; 16:25: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
In contrast to which Christ the Good Shepherd comes gently and says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
(John 10:10) “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
The difficult point is that most of us don’t want to come.
Why?
We don’t want to follow.
We don’t want to be led in the paths of righteousness.
Somehow it goes against our grain.
We actually prefer to turn to our own way even though it may take us straight into trouble.
The stubborn, self-willed, proud, self-sufficient sheep that persists in pursuing its old paths, and grazing on its old polluted ground will end up a bag of bones on ruined land. The world we live in is full of such people.
Broken homes, broken hearts, derelict lives and twisted personalities remind us everywhere of men and women who have gone their own way.
We have a sick society struggling to survive on beleaguered land.
The greed and selfishness of mankind leaves behind a legacy of ruin and remorse.
Amid all this chaos and confusion Christ the Good Shepherd comes and says: “If any man will follow me, let him deny himself daily and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34)
But most of us, even as Christians, simply don’t want to do this:
We don’t want to deny ourselves.
We don’t want to give up our right to make our own decisions.
We don’t want to follow.
We don’t want to be led.
Most of us, if confronted with this charge, would deny it. We would assert vehemently that we are “led of the Lord.” We would insist that we would follow wherever He leads.
We sing songs to this effect and given mental assent to the idea.
But as far as being led in paths of righteousness is concerned, precious few of us follow that path.
Actually this the pivot point on which a Christian either “goes on” with God, or at which point he “goes back” from following on.
There are many willful, wayward indifferent, self-interested Christians who cannot really be classified as followers of Christ.
There are relatively few diligent disciples who forsake all to follow the Master.
Jesus never made light of the cost involved in following Him:
He made it painfully clear that it was a rugged life of rigid self-denial.
It entailed a whole new set of attitudes.
It was not the natural, normal way a person would ordinarily live and this is what made the price so prohibitive to most people.
In brief there are 7 fresh attitudes that have to be acquired.
They are the equivalent of progressive toward movement onto new ground with God.
If one follows them, they will discover fresh pasturage, new abundant life; and increased health, wholesomeness and holiness, in their walk with God.
Nothing will please Him more and most certainly no other activity on our part will or can result in as great benefit to other lives around us.
The 7 Attitudes are:
ATTITUDE NUMBER ONE: INSTEAD OF LOVING MYSELF MOST I AM WILLING TO LOVE CHRIST BEST AND OTHERS MORE THAN MYSELF
Love is deliberate act of my will.
It means that I am willing to lay down my life, lay myself out, and put myself out on behalf of others. (I John 3:16)
The moment I deliberately do something definite, either for God or others that costs me something, I am expressing love.
Love is:
Selflessness
Self-sacrifice
In contradiction to selfishness
Most of us know little of living like this or being “led” in this right way.
Once a person discovers the delight of doing something for others, he has started through the gate being led into one of God’s green pastures.
ATTITUDE NUMBER TWO: INSTEAD OF BEING ONE OF THE CROWD, I AM WILLING TO BE SINGLED OUT, SET APART FROM THE GANG.
Most of us, like sheep, are pretty gregarious. we want to belong.
We don’t want to be different in a deep, distinctive way, though we may wish to be different in minor details that appeal to our selfish egos.
Christ pointed out that only a few would find His way acceptable.
To be marked as one of His would mean a certain amount of criticism and sarcasm from a cynical society. Many of us don't want this.
Just as He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, so we may be.
Instead of adding to the sorrow and sadness of society, we may be called on to help bear some of the burdens of others, to enter into the suffering of others.
Are we ready to do this?
ATTITUDE NUMBER THREE: INSTEAD OF INSISTING ON MY RIGHTS, I AM WILLING TO FOREGO THEM IN FAVOR OF OTHERS.
This is what the Master meant by denying one’s self. It's not easy, nor normal, nor natural to do this.
Even in the loving atmosphere of the home, self-assertion is pretty evident and the powerful exercise of individual rights is always apparent.
The person who is willing to pocket his pride, to take a back seat; to play second fiddle without a feeling of being abused or put upon, has gone a long way onto new ground with God.
There is a tremendous emancipation from “self” in this attitude. One is set free from the shackles of personal pride. It's prettyhard to hurt such a person.
He who has so sense of self-importance cannot be offended or deflated.
Somehow such people enjoy a wholesome outlook of carefree abandon that makes their Christian lives contagious with contentment and gaiety.
ATITUDE NUMBER FOUR: INSTEAD OF BEING ‘BOSS’ I AM WILLING TO BE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HEAP.
To use sheep terminology, instead of being “TOP RAM” I am will be to be a “TAILENDER”.
When the desire for self-assertion, self-aggrandizement, self-pleasing give way to the desire for simply pleasing God and others, much of the fret and strain is drained away from daily living.
A hallmark of the serene should be the absence of “drive”, at least “drive” for self-determination.
The person who is prepared to put his personal life and personal affairs in the Master’s hands for His management and direction has found the place of rest and in fresh fields each day.
These are the ones who find time and energy to please others.
ATTITUDE NUMBER FIVE: INSTEAD OF FINDING FAULT WITH LIFE AND ALWAYS ASKING ‘WHY’, I AM WILLING TO ACCEPT EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF LIFE IN AN ATITUDE OF GRATITUDE.
Human beings, being what they are, somehow feel entitled to question the reason for everything that happens to them. In many instances life itself becomes a continuous criticism and dissection of one's circumstances and acquaitances.
We look for someone or something on which to pin the blame for our misfortunes.
We are quick to forget our blessings, and slow to forget our misfortunes.
If one really believes his affairs are in God’s hands, every event, no matter whether joyous or tragic, will be taken as part of God’s plan.
To know beyond doubt that He does all for our welfare is to be led into a wide area of peace and quietness and strength for every situation.
ATTITUDE NUMBER SIX: INSTEAD OF EXERCISING AND ASSERTING MY WILL, I LEARN TO COOPERATE WITH HIS WISHES AND COMPLY WITH HIS WILL.
It must be noted that all the steps outlined here involve ” the will.”
When a man or woman allows his or her will to be crossed out, canceling the “I” in their decisions, then instead the Cross has been applied in that life.
This is the meaning of taking up one’s cross daily, to go to one’s death, no longer my will in this matter, but His will be done.
ATTITUDE NUMBER SEVEN: INSTEAD OF CHOOSING MY OWN WAY, I AM WILLING TO CHOOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST’S WAY, SIMPLY TO DO WHAT HE ASKS ME TO DO.
This basically is simple, straightforward obedience. It means I just do what He asks me to do.
I go where He invites me to go.
I say what He instructs me to say.
I act and react in the manner He maintains is in my own best interest as well as for His reputation, if I am His follower.
Most of us possess a formidable amount of factual information on what the Master expects of us.
The person who decides to do what God asks him has moved onto fresh ground, which will do both him and others a world of good.
Besides, it will please the Good Shepherd no end.
God wants us to walk with Him.
He wants us to move on with Him.
He wants it not only for our welfare, but for the benefit of others as well as His own dear reputation.
Perhaps there are those who think He expects too much of us.
Maybe they feel the demands are too drastic.
It would be if we had to depend on self-determination or self-discipline to succeed.
But if we are in earnest about wanting to do His will and to be led, He makes this possible by His own gracious Spirit who is given to those who obey.
For it is He who works in us both to “will and “to do” of His good pleasure.
For His Name’s Sake
Why does He do this for His Name’s sake?
Because of His nature.
God’s love and care are wholly in keeping with His character.
His name, “YAHWEH ROHI” denotes His “pastoral” character.
He will not lead me somewhere that is contrary to His “pastoral” character.
This illustration is taken from Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest”:
In the Old Testament, a person’s relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person’s life. This separation is exhibited in the life of Abraham by his separation from his country and his family. When we think of separation today, we do not mean to be literally separated from those family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, but to be separated mentally and morally from their viewpoints. This is what Jesus Christ was referring to in Luke 14:26.
Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding or reason, a life of knowing Him who calls us to go. Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest traps we fall into is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world.
The final stage in the life of faith is the attainment of character, and we encounter many changes in the process. We feel the presence of God around us when we pray; yet we are only momentarily changed. We tend too keep going back to our everyday ways and the glory vanishes. A life of faith is not a life of one mountain top experience after another, like soaring on eagle’s wings, but it is a life of day in and day out consistency, a life of walking without fainting. (Isaiah 40:31) It is not even a question of the holiness of sanctification, but of something which come much further down the road. It is a faith that has been tried and proved and has withstood the test. Abraham is not a type or an example of the holiness of sanctification, but a type of the life of faith, a faith, tested and true, built on the true God.
Abraham knew God as his YAHWEH ROHI. He allowed himself to be led not knowing where he was going.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
PSALM 23 VERSE 2
In our continuing study of Psalm 23, we have discovered that the Lord (YAHWEH) is our shepherd if we have a personal relationship with Him. When we have this personal relationship, we find that He is quite capable of meeting and providing all of our needs both spiritually and materially.
Consider this:
Psalm 105:37-45
“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. [38] Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. [39] He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. [40] The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. [41] He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. [42] For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. [43] And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: [44] And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; [45] That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.” (KJV)
Also consider Psalm 78, Psalm 104 in light of God meeting the needs of His people.
We will continue our study of David’s psalm by focusing on verse 2.
The first part says, “He makes me lie down in green pasture.”
Notice that the subject is in the third person.
Also observe the strong personal tone of the Psalm:
a. “He” ”me”
b. “I” “my”
It does not say that the shepherd makes us to lie down in green pastures and the shepherd leads us beside the quiet water. He makes me, Dan, lie down in green pastures and He leads Dan beside quiet waters. You can add your name there to make it personal to you.
The word “makes” seems to imply the element of coercion. Does the verb involve coercion? NO
What is the sense of the verb?
The Hebrew word means, “to cause to be.” The shepherd causes his sheep to lie down, not forcing them to lie down.
“Makes” is qualified by “lie down” and “in green pastures,” indicating the “what” and the “where” of the action of the verb.
These terms are figurative of the shepherd with whom the Psalm begins.
What is the connection of the expression “to lie down,” especially in the figurative sense?
The idea is of rest, the shepherd settling down the sheep after feeding. The idea is resting after a long walk, or from our cares. I don’t know about you, but after feasting on dinner at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’m ready for a nap.
Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) As we sit at His feet, we receive His rest. What are we heavy laden with? With the cares of this world. I have learned over the years that when you come to Him and cast all of your cares over on Him, that He is quite capable of dealing with them better than I can do, and I can rest in Him.
Did you know that despite all the circumstances that go on in your life, with your family, finances, ministry, all that is happening in the world, you can live a carefree life. That’s when you enter into the rest, knowing that you are in good hands. No stress, no worry, and I can focus on Him.
I think of Mary in Luke 15 sitting at the feet of Jesus. She was resting, while her sister Martha was in a panic to get dinner on the table. I don’t think Jesus really cared at that point in time about dinner. He had someone who was interested in hearing from Him.
Why does Yahweh, like a shepherd make His sheep “to lie down?”
To rest. To revive us from our exhaustive labors, both physically and spiritually.
It is only as we are resting from our exertions that we can quiet our minds to hear Him speak to us. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
What are the “green pastures”
Where are they?
What is really behind these metaphors?
The Lord has His sheep lie down in green pastures and enjoy an ideal resting place, an oasis.
Metaphorically, the growth of this tender grass is compared with the rule of a just king.
It is a place to rest and be fed.
The verbs suggest gently persuasion, a shepherd patiently, persistently encouraging His sheep to the place where their hungers and thirsts will be less severe and milder.
In David’s day “green pastures” were oases, places in the desert toward which shepherds led their thirsty flocks.
Left to themselves sheep would wonder off into the wilderness and die.
The picture here is not of sheep grazing and drinking, but a rest, lying down, stretched out to use David’s words.
Picture this in your mind. Rolling hills with lush, green grass, plenty of shade, and a flowing river. You have just finished your picnic lunch and now you are stretched out under a shade tree taking a nap. Relaxed, your belly full, you just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Exodus 15:13
"In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed;
In Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation.” (NASB)
I don’t know if this has crossed you mind, but how did the sheep get to the green pastures?
The scene is one of tranquility, satisfaction, and rest.
What are those “green pastures” and “quiet waters?”
Where are they?
What is the reality behind these metaphors?
God Himself is our true pasture.
In the Exodus, God is leading Israel to “green pastures,” the land of Canaan.
In the story of Martha and Mary, Mary is at rest in the “green pastures,” at the feet of Jesus.
He is our pool of quiet water. He is our true nourishment and living water. If we do not take Him in, we will starve.
There is a hunger in the human heart that nothing but God can satisfy.
There is a thirst that no one but He can quench.
How do we “graze” on Him and “drink” Him in?
Once more we’re confronted with symbolism.
What do the metaphors mean?
The process begins, as all relationships do, with a meeting.
Psalm 42:1,2
“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for Thee, O God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God? “ (NASB)
Where can I go and meet with God?
Are we willing to prepare ourselves to meet Him?
He responds to the slightest approach, but we’re only as close as we want to be.
Deuteronomy 4:29
"But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” (NASB)
He calls us, but then He waits for our answer.
Our progress toward Him is determined by our desire to engage Him in a personal way, to know Him.
Do we want God or not?
If we do, we must be willing to make the effort to respond to Him.
Conditions for sheep to lay down.
It is almost impossible for sheep to lie down unless 4 requirements are met:
1. They are free from fear.
A flock that is restless discontented, always agitated and disturbed, never do well.
The same is true of people.
In the Christian life, there is no substitute for the keen awareness that the Shepherd is nearby.
There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic and the terror of the unknown.
It is the “unknown”, the “unexpected” that produce the greatest panic.
In the midst of our misfortunes there suddenly come the awareness that He, the Christ, the Good Shepherd is there.
It makes all the difference.
Rest returns and I can relax.
It is the knowledge that my Master, my Friend, my Owner has things under control even when they may appear calamitous.
This gives me great consolation, repose, and rest.
2. Free from friction with others.
The second source of fear from which the shepherd delivers His sheep is that of tension, rivalry, and cruel competition with the flock itself.
In every animal society there is established an order of dominance or status within the group.
A vivid and accurate picture of the process is given to us in Ezekiel 34:15-16 and 20-22.
Because of this rivalry, tension, and competition for status and self-assertion, there is friction in a flock.
The sheep cannot lie down and defend their rights and contest the challenge of the intrusion.
The shepherd’s presence makes all the difference in the flock’s behavior.
The struggle for self-assertion and self-recognition goes on.
Most of us fight to be “top sheep.”
We butt and quarrel and compete to “get ahead” and in the process people get hurt.
The picture in the Psalm shows us God’s people lying down in quiet contentment.
On of the outstanding marks of a Christian should be a serene sense of gentle contentment
Philippians 4:11:
“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
It is the Shepherd’s presence that puts an end to all rivalry.
In our human relationships, when we become acutely aware of being in the presence of Christ, our foolish, selfish snobbery and rivalry will end.
It is the humble heart walking quietly and contently in the close and intimate companionship of Christ that is at rest, that can relax, simply glad to lie down and let the world go by.
When my eyes are on my Master, they are not on those around me.
This is my place of peace.
To be thus, close to Him, conscious of his abiding presence made real in my mind, emotions, and will by the indwelling gracious Spirit, is to be set free from fear of my fellow man and whatever he might think of me.
3. The freedom of fear from the torment of parasites and insects is essential to the contentment of the sheep.
The shepherd must be among his charges daily, keeping a close watch on their behavior.
As soon as there is the least evidence that they are being disturbed, he must take steps to provide them with relief.
Always uppermost on his mind is the aim of keeping his flock quiet, contented, and at peace.
When my eyes are on my Master, they are not n those around me, This is the place of peace.
To be thus, close to Him, conscious of His abiding Presence, made real by the indwelling, gracious Holy Spirit is to be set free from fear of my fellow man and whatever he might think of me.
I would much rather have the affection of the good Shepherd than occupy a place of prominence in society.
In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is often symbolized by oil, by that which brings healing and comfort and relief from the harsh and abrasive aspects of life.
The gracious Holy Spirit makes real in me the very presence of Christ.
He brings quietness, serenity, strength, and calmness in the face of frustrations and futility.
He applies His healing, soothing, effective antidote of His own Person and presence to my particular problem.
There immediately comes into my consciousness the awareness of His dealing with the difficulty in a way I had not anticipated.
When I turn to Him and expose the problem to Him, allowing Him to see that I have a dilemma, a difficulty, a disagreeable experience beyond my control, He comes in to assist.
Often a helpful approach is simply to say aloud, “O Master, this is beyond me, I can’t cope with it, it’s bugging me, I can’t rest, please take over.”
4. To produce the condition necessary for sheep to lie down there must be freedom from the fear of hunger.
Green pasture did not just happen by chance.
Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use.
Green pastures were the result of :
Consider this:
Psalm 105:37-45
“He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. [38] Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them. [39] He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night. [40] The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. [41] He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. [42] For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. [43] And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness: [44] And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people; [45] That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.” (KJV)
Also consider Psalm 78, Psalm 104 in light of God meeting the needs of His people.
We will continue our study of David’s psalm by focusing on verse 2.
The first part says, “He makes me lie down in green pasture.”
Notice that the subject is in the third person.
Also observe the strong personal tone of the Psalm:
a. “He” ”me”
b. “I” “my”
It does not say that the shepherd makes us to lie down in green pastures and the shepherd leads us beside the quiet water. He makes me, Dan, lie down in green pastures and He leads Dan beside quiet waters. You can add your name there to make it personal to you.
The word “makes” seems to imply the element of coercion. Does the verb involve coercion? NO
What is the sense of the verb?
The Hebrew word means, “to cause to be.” The shepherd causes his sheep to lie down, not forcing them to lie down.
“Makes” is qualified by “lie down” and “in green pastures,” indicating the “what” and the “where” of the action of the verb.
These terms are figurative of the shepherd with whom the Psalm begins.
What is the connection of the expression “to lie down,” especially in the figurative sense?
The idea is of rest, the shepherd settling down the sheep after feeding. The idea is resting after a long walk, or from our cares. I don’t know about you, but after feasting on dinner at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’m ready for a nap.
Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) As we sit at His feet, we receive His rest. What are we heavy laden with? With the cares of this world. I have learned over the years that when you come to Him and cast all of your cares over on Him, that He is quite capable of dealing with them better than I can do, and I can rest in Him.
Did you know that despite all the circumstances that go on in your life, with your family, finances, ministry, all that is happening in the world, you can live a carefree life. That’s when you enter into the rest, knowing that you are in good hands. No stress, no worry, and I can focus on Him.
I think of Mary in Luke 15 sitting at the feet of Jesus. She was resting, while her sister Martha was in a panic to get dinner on the table. I don’t think Jesus really cared at that point in time about dinner. He had someone who was interested in hearing from Him.
Why does Yahweh, like a shepherd make His sheep “to lie down?”
To rest. To revive us from our exhaustive labors, both physically and spiritually.
It is only as we are resting from our exertions that we can quiet our minds to hear Him speak to us. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
What are the “green pastures”
Where are they?
What is really behind these metaphors?
The Lord has His sheep lie down in green pastures and enjoy an ideal resting place, an oasis.
Metaphorically, the growth of this tender grass is compared with the rule of a just king.
It is a place to rest and be fed.
The verbs suggest gently persuasion, a shepherd patiently, persistently encouraging His sheep to the place where their hungers and thirsts will be less severe and milder.
In David’s day “green pastures” were oases, places in the desert toward which shepherds led their thirsty flocks.
Left to themselves sheep would wonder off into the wilderness and die.
The picture here is not of sheep grazing and drinking, but a rest, lying down, stretched out to use David’s words.
Picture this in your mind. Rolling hills with lush, green grass, plenty of shade, and a flowing river. You have just finished your picnic lunch and now you are stretched out under a shade tree taking a nap. Relaxed, your belly full, you just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Exodus 15:13
"In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed;
In Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation.” (NASB)
I don’t know if this has crossed you mind, but how did the sheep get to the green pastures?
The scene is one of tranquility, satisfaction, and rest.
What are those “green pastures” and “quiet waters?”
Where are they?
What is the reality behind these metaphors?
God Himself is our true pasture.
In the Exodus, God is leading Israel to “green pastures,” the land of Canaan.
In the story of Martha and Mary, Mary is at rest in the “green pastures,” at the feet of Jesus.
He is our pool of quiet water. He is our true nourishment and living water. If we do not take Him in, we will starve.
There is a hunger in the human heart that nothing but God can satisfy.
There is a thirst that no one but He can quench.
How do we “graze” on Him and “drink” Him in?
Once more we’re confronted with symbolism.
What do the metaphors mean?
The process begins, as all relationships do, with a meeting.
Psalm 42:1,2
“As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for Thee, O God.
[2] My soul thirsts for God, for the living God;
When shall I come and appear before God? “ (NASB)
Where can I go and meet with God?
Are we willing to prepare ourselves to meet Him?
He responds to the slightest approach, but we’re only as close as we want to be.
Deuteronomy 4:29
"But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” (NASB)
He calls us, but then He waits for our answer.
Our progress toward Him is determined by our desire to engage Him in a personal way, to know Him.
Do we want God or not?
If we do, we must be willing to make the effort to respond to Him.
Conditions for sheep to lay down.
It is almost impossible for sheep to lie down unless 4 requirements are met:
1. They are free from fear.
A flock that is restless discontented, always agitated and disturbed, never do well.
The same is true of people.
In the Christian life, there is no substitute for the keen awareness that the Shepherd is nearby.
There is nothing like Christ’s presence to dispel the fear, the panic and the terror of the unknown.
It is the “unknown”, the “unexpected” that produce the greatest panic.
In the midst of our misfortunes there suddenly come the awareness that He, the Christ, the Good Shepherd is there.
It makes all the difference.
Rest returns and I can relax.
It is the knowledge that my Master, my Friend, my Owner has things under control even when they may appear calamitous.
This gives me great consolation, repose, and rest.
2. Free from friction with others.
The second source of fear from which the shepherd delivers His sheep is that of tension, rivalry, and cruel competition with the flock itself.
In every animal society there is established an order of dominance or status within the group.
A vivid and accurate picture of the process is given to us in Ezekiel 34:15-16 and 20-22.
Because of this rivalry, tension, and competition for status and self-assertion, there is friction in a flock.
The sheep cannot lie down and defend their rights and contest the challenge of the intrusion.
The shepherd’s presence makes all the difference in the flock’s behavior.
The struggle for self-assertion and self-recognition goes on.
Most of us fight to be “top sheep.”
We butt and quarrel and compete to “get ahead” and in the process people get hurt.
The picture in the Psalm shows us God’s people lying down in quiet contentment.
On of the outstanding marks of a Christian should be a serene sense of gentle contentment
Philippians 4:11:
“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
It is the Shepherd’s presence that puts an end to all rivalry.
In our human relationships, when we become acutely aware of being in the presence of Christ, our foolish, selfish snobbery and rivalry will end.
It is the humble heart walking quietly and contently in the close and intimate companionship of Christ that is at rest, that can relax, simply glad to lie down and let the world go by.
When my eyes are on my Master, they are not on those around me.
This is my place of peace.
To be thus, close to Him, conscious of his abiding presence made real in my mind, emotions, and will by the indwelling gracious Spirit, is to be set free from fear of my fellow man and whatever he might think of me.
3. The freedom of fear from the torment of parasites and insects is essential to the contentment of the sheep.
The shepherd must be among his charges daily, keeping a close watch on their behavior.
As soon as there is the least evidence that they are being disturbed, he must take steps to provide them with relief.
Always uppermost on his mind is the aim of keeping his flock quiet, contented, and at peace.
When my eyes are on my Master, they are not n those around me, This is the place of peace.
To be thus, close to Him, conscious of His abiding Presence, made real by the indwelling, gracious Holy Spirit is to be set free from fear of my fellow man and whatever he might think of me.
I would much rather have the affection of the good Shepherd than occupy a place of prominence in society.
In Scripture, the Holy Spirit is often symbolized by oil, by that which brings healing and comfort and relief from the harsh and abrasive aspects of life.
The gracious Holy Spirit makes real in me the very presence of Christ.
He brings quietness, serenity, strength, and calmness in the face of frustrations and futility.
He applies His healing, soothing, effective antidote of His own Person and presence to my particular problem.
There immediately comes into my consciousness the awareness of His dealing with the difficulty in a way I had not anticipated.
When I turn to Him and expose the problem to Him, allowing Him to see that I have a dilemma, a difficulty, a disagreeable experience beyond my control, He comes in to assist.
Often a helpful approach is simply to say aloud, “O Master, this is beyond me, I can’t cope with it, it’s bugging me, I can’t rest, please take over.”
4. To produce the condition necessary for sheep to lie down there must be freedom from the fear of hunger.
Green pasture did not just happen by chance.
Green pastures were the product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use.
Green pastures were the result of :
Clearing rough, rocky land.
Deep plowing and careful soil preparation.
Seeding and planting special grains and legumes.
Irrigating with water and husbandry with care the crops of forage that would feed the flocks.
All of this represented tremendous toil, skill, and time for the careful shepherd.
If his sheep were to enjoy green pastures amid the brown and barren hills, it meant he had a tremendous job to do.
Green pastures are essential to success with sheep.
A hungry, ill-fed sheep is ever on its feet, on the move, searching for another scanty mouthful of forage to try to satisfy its gnawing hunger.
Such sheep are not contented, they do not thrive, and they are no use to themselves or to their owners.
They languish and lack vigor and vitality.
How He works to clear the life of rocks of stony unbelief:
How He tries to tear out the roots of bitterness.
He attempts to break up the hard, proud human heart that is set like sun-dried clay.
He then sows the seed of His own precious Word, which, if given half a chance to grow will produce rich crops of contentment and peace.
He waters this with the dews and rain of His own presence by the Holy Spirit.
He tends and cares and cultivates the life, longing to see it become rich and green and productive.
It is indicative of his unrelenting energy and industry of an owner who wishes to see His sheep satisfied and well fed.
It all denotes my Shepherd’s desire to see my best interests served.
His concern for my care is beyond my comprehension.
At best all I can do is to enjoy and revel in what He has brought into effect.
This life of quiet overcoming; of happy repose; of rest in His presence, of confidence in His management is something few Christians ever fully enjoy.
Because of our own perverseness we often prefer to feed on the barren ground of the world around us.
But the Good Shepherd has supplied green pastures for those who care to move in onto them and there find peace and plenty.
He Leads Me Beside the Quiet Waters
The Hebrew word for “lead is “nahal.”
Its meaning includes:
Leading someone by the hand
To lead someone who is helpless
To lead someone who needs to be guided aright
The root of the word specifically is connected with what a shepherd does in leading a pregnant ewe. He is very gentle and caring and makes sure she doesn’t trip over a rock.
How to do you lead a blind person? How do you lead a child? How do you lead a pregnant woman? You take them by the hand and guide them in the right direction.
The verb “leads” seems to suggest a contrast to the idea of being driven.
What is involved in the Shepherd’s leading the Psalmist?
a. Leading the psalmist in a specific direction.
b. The shepherd knows where he is going and takes the sheep there.
c. Showing them the direction to go in.
d. The Spirit saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Why does the Shepherd “lead” instead of “drive?”
a. Nobody likes to be forced to go somewhere they don’t want to go.
b. When you lead someone, you gently take him or her to the place you want him or her to go.
A couple of years my church went to a ranch here in the city of Chesapeake for a weekend retreat. We broke up into groups and each group had a guide. He showed us where we were going for various events. He knew where to go. We didn’t. So in order for us to get where we needed to be, we had to follow him. He didn’t get behind us with a cattle prod and drive us to the event area, but he went out in front and told us to follow him. We eventually got to where we were supposed to be.
Do we sometimes think that Jesus doesn’t know where He is going? We are the ones who have no clue where we are going in this life. We think we do. Jesus is not going to come up behind you with a cattle prod and drive you in the direction He wants you to go. No, but He will say to you, “follow Me.” We are the ones who have the choice on which way to go. I will say this, the path that He chooses for you to follow may not be the one you want to walk in, but since He knows the way and knows what He is doing, it would be to our advantage to just follow Him.
The path to the green pastures and still waters may take you through the valley of the shadow of death. But He is still leading the way. It may take you through a wilderness for a period of time. I have heard it said that that from Eqypt to the Promised Land was an 11 day journey. Because of the stubbornness of the people it took them 40 years. They traveled in circles for 40 years. Can you imaging what they might have thought at seeing the same scenery over and over again.
I don’t the time frame for each circle around the desert, but passing the same old cactus plant year after year would have caught my attention after about the second or third time.
The Israelites had no clue how to get to the Promised Land. But God did. They probably would have gotten lost trying to go back to Egypt.
“Beside the still waters” indicates where the Psalmist is led.
Note that “beside” is used instead of “to.”
The marginal reading for “still waters” is “waters of rest?”
Is the word translated “still” is a description of the quality of the waters, the effect of the waters, or both? It is the effect of the waters. It is the opposite of turbulent, storm tossed waters.
Why should the Shepherd lead His sheep “beside still waters?”
Still waters, or calm waters, have a soothing, or peaceful effect. Have you ever gone to a lake, or river, or any body of water that looks like glass because it is so calm? It does have a peaceful effect.
Turbulent waters do not have a soothing effect. When we have a storm around here, the Chesapeake Bay has high waves crashing on the beach. Water crashing against the rocks makes a lot of noise. It’s violent and sometimes scary.
Sheep won’t stay around turbulent waters, it spooks them.
Thus far the Psalmist seems to have suggested that the Divine Shepherd meets the basic needs of sheep: pasture, rest, and water. (Matthew 6)
Exodus 15:13
"In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed;
In Thy strength Thou hast guided them to Thy holy habitation.” (NASB)
I don’t know whether you have thought about this, but when you are leading someone you are always out in front of them. If you are driving them, you are behind them.
I want you to take a minute and picture this in your mind. You are standing on top of a mountain looking down at the ground below. You see a strange sight. Out in front of a large group of people traveling through the wilderness you see this cloud moving forward. Behind the cloud you see a single man, and behind the single man you see a multitude of people. The cloud is leading the people, not behind them pushing them. The man is following the cloud, and the people are following the man.
Wherever that cloud goes, the people go. God is leading them.
Psalm 77:20
“Thou didst lead Thy people like a flock,
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
Psalm 80:1
“Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel,
Thou who dost lead Joseph like a flock;
Thou who art enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!”
The key or the clue to where water can be obtained lies with the shepherd. It is He who knows where the best drinking places are. In fact, very often He is the one with much effort and industry has provided the watering places. And it is to these spots that He leads the flock.
An animal is made aware of water by thirst. You and I know that. Thirst indicates the need of the body to have it water supply replenished from a source outside itself.
Just as the physical body has a capacity and need for water, so Scripture points out to us clearly that the human personality, the human soul has a capacity and need for the water of the Spirit of the eternal God.
When sheep are thirsty they become restless and set out in search of water to satisfy their thirst.
If not led to the good water supplies of clear, pure water, they will often end up drinking from the polluted potholes where they pick up internal parasites.
In precisely the same manner, Christ, our Good Shepherd, made it clear that thirsty souls of men and women can only be fully satisfied when their capacity and thirst for spiritual life is fully quenched by drawing on Himself.
Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (NASB)
John 7:37-39
“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. [38] "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.' " [39] But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” (NASB)
“To drink” in spiritual terminology, simply means “take in” or “to accept” or “to believe.”
That is to say, it implies that a person accepts and assimilates the very life of God in Christ to the point where it becomes a part of him.
The difficulty in all of this is that men and women who are “thirsty” for God (who do have a deep inner sense of searching and seeking, who are in quest of that which will completely satisfy) often are unsure of where to look or really what they are looking for.
Their inner capacity for God and divine life is desiccated and in their dilemma they will drink from any dirty pool to try and satisfy their thirst for fulfillment.
“He, the Good Shepherd”, leads me beside the quiet waters.
In other words, He alone knows where the still, quiet, clean, pure water is to be found that alone can satisfy His sheep and keep them fit and strong.
Water for the sheep came from three main sources:
Dew on the ground
Deep wells
Springs and streams
Sheep by habit rise just before dawn and start to feed.
In the Christian life it is of more than passing significance to observe that those who are often the most serene, most confident and able to cope with life’s complexities, are those who rise up early each day to feed on God’ Word.
It is in the quiet, early hours of the morning that they are led beside the quiet, still waters where they imbibe the very life of Christ for the day.
This is much more than a figure of speech; it is a reality.
One comes away from these hours of meditation; reflection and communion with Christ refreshed in mind and spirit.
The thirst is slaked and the heart is quietly satisfied.
He loves to see me contented, quiet, at rest and relaxed.
He delights to know my soul and sprit have been refreshed and satisfied.
The irony of life, and tragic truth for most Christians is that this is not so.
It is often the case that they try, instead, to satisfy their thirst by pursuing almost every other sort of substitute.
For their mind and intellect, they will pursue knowledge, science, academic careers, vociferous reading or offbeat companions.
But somehow, their are always left panting and dissatisfied.
To appease the craving of their souls and emotions, men and women will turn to the arts, to culture, to music, to literary forms, trying to find fulfillment.
So often there are amongst the most jaded and dejected people.
They have tried drinking deeply from the wells of the world only to turn away unsatisfied, unquenched, in their soul’s thirst.
These are those who to quench this thirst in their parched lives, have attempted to find refreshment in all sorts of physical pursuits and activities.
Jeremiah 2:13
It is an accurate portrayal of broken lives; of shattered hopes, of barren souls that are dried up and parched and full of the dust of despair.
Among young people, the recourse to drugs, alcohol, and sex in a mad desire to assuage their thirst is classic proof that such sordid indulgences are no substitute for the Spirit of the living God.
These poor people are broken cisterns.
Amid of this chaos of a confused, sick society, Christ comes quietly as of old and invites us:
To come to Him
To follow Him
To put our confidence in Him
For He is who best knows how we can be satisfied.
He knows the human heart, the human personality, the human soul with its amazing capacity for God, can never be satisfied with a substitute.
Only the Spirit of life of Christ Himself will satisfy the thirsty soul.
Strange as it may appear on the surface, the deep wells of God from which we may drink are not always necessarily the delightful experiences we may imagine them to be.
Many of the places we may be led into will appear to us as dark, deep, dangerous and somewhat disagreeable.
But it simply must be remembered that He is there with us in it. He is very much at work in the situation.
It is the energy, effort and strength expended on my behalf that even in the deep, dark place is bound to produce a benefit for me. It is there that I discover He only can satisfy me. It is He who makes sense and purpose and meaning come out of situations which otherwise would be but a mockery to me.
Suddenly, life starts to have significance. I discover I am the object of His special care and attention. Dignity and direction come in the events of my life and I see them sorting themselves out into a definite pattern of usefulness.
All of this is refreshing, stimulating, invigorating.
My thirst for reality in life is assuaged and I discover that I have found that satisfaction in my Master.
There are always a percentage of perverse people who will refuse to allow God to lead them. They insist on running their own lives and following the dictates of their own wills. They insist they can be masters of their own destinies even if ultimately such destinies are destructive.
They don’t want to be directed by the Holy Spirit of God. They don’t want to be led by Him. They want to walk in their own ways and drink from any old source that they fancy might satisfy their whims. These people often try this pursuit or that with the casual comment, “So what? I can’t see that it’s going to do any harm!”
Proverbs 14:12 tells us that there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Little do they appreciate that often there is a delayed reaction and that considerable time may elapse before the full impact of their misjudgment strikes home. Then suddenly they are in deep trouble and wonder why.
To offset these dangers and guard against them, God invites us to allow ourselves to be led and guided by His own gracious Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to us to lead us into truth. He would come as a guide and counselor. Always He would lead us into the things of Christ.
He would make us see that the life in Christ is the only truly satisfying life. We would discover the delight of having our souls satisfied with His presence. It would be He who would become to us the very meat and drink that as His resurrection overcoming life was imparted to us by His Spirit each day. I would be refreshed and satisfied.
Are you dissatisfied with the way you are living your life today?
That can change the minute you let the Good Shepherd to take control of your life and lead you into all that He has for you.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
PSALM 23
INTRODUCTION
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NASB)
Certainly the most familiar psalm, and perhaps the most familiar passage in the whole Bible, Psalm 23 is a challenge for the interpreter.
On one hand, its familiarity and obvious power seem to make commentary superfluous.
On the other hand, its very familiarity invites the attempt to hear it in a fresh way.
The challenge in this regard is the fact that Psalm 23 has become what William L. Holladay calls, “an American secular icon,” and it is almost exclusively associated with a particular contemporary setting: the funeral service. To be sure, it is appropriate that Psalm 23 be read and heard in the midst of death and dying.
It may be more important, however, that this psalm be read and heard as a psalm about living, for it puts daily activities, as such as eating, drinking, and seeking security, in a radically God-centered perspective that challenges our usual way of thinking.
Furthermore, it calls us not simply to claim individual assurance but also to take our place with others in the household of God.
Psalm 23 is divided into two sections.
The first section, verses 1 to 3, might be call the “He” section, which describes the way the Shepherd cares for His sheep.
He does everything for us; we are not required to do anything but follow. He protects and provides for us as we stay close to Him. So we could say that the theme for these first three verses implies relationship.
He is my Shepherd and Lord.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The second section, verses 4 to 6, tells us what the sheep receive.
The relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd is two way. In the first half of the Psalm we see all the great and wonderful things our Lord does for us, without having to do anything.
The second half of the Psalm is the “I” section. Because the Shepherd has done everything for me, I am now responsible to follow Him closely so He can provide for me and protect me.
What does this mean for me His sheep?
I will fear no evil.
I will have Him with me always.
I will be comforted by His rod and staff.
I will eat from a prepared table.
I will have my head anointed with oil.
I will have goodness and mercy follow me.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
While there has been no election or contest to determine our society’s favorite Bible passage, the 23rd Psalm is clearly the most beloved passages of Scripture because of the way it has become woven into the fabric of our lives.
We often hear it quoted at funerals, baptisms, and other religious services. Many people can quote it word for word, while others, both inside and outside the Church, who do not know the Psalm by heart nevertheless recognize it when they hear it.
Let’s begin our journey into this Psalm of David and find out what he learned about YAHWEH ROHI.
Verse 1: The Lord Is My Shepherd I Shall Not Want
The Lord.
The problem with most of us is that we have no clear picture of the God we worship.
Our image of Him is clouded by the memory of cold cathedrals and bitter religion, by pastors and priests who put the fear of God in us, or by all that we suffered as children from fathers who were absent, emotionally detached, brutal or weak.
All of us have inexact notions of God.
So this leads us to some questions:
Who is God?
Who is the Lord?
What is His character?
Does He have adequate credentials to be my shepherd, my manager, my owner?
And if He does, how do I come under His control?
In what ways do I become the object of His concern and diligent care?
These are penetrating, searching questions and they deserve honest and basic examination.
The question, “Who is the Lord?” to which all other questions lead, is the question God Himself has put into our hearts. And if He put it into our hearts, there must be an answer in His heart waiting to be revealed.
David gives us a comforting and compelling answer: “ The Lord is my shepherd.”
When David stated explicitly. “The Lord is my shepherd,” to whom did he refer?
David’s opening statement in Psalm 23 introduces the controlling image that appears throughout this Psalm.
He referred to “YAHWEH”, the Lord God of Israel.
This is the personal name of God. It means “I AM WHO I AM.” It means, “I will be Who I will be,” and “the Self-existent Being.”
This is the name He gave Himself in Exodus 3:4 when Moses asked Him whom shall I say sent me.
God’s name identifies His nature, so that a request for the “Name” is equivalent to asking about His character: Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, Jehovah Rophe. The Lord our Healer; Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner.
The name YAHWEH (JEHOVAH) is used for God instead of another name or title.
Why is it used instead of another name for, God? Why not ELOHIM? Why not EL SHADDAI?
Why not EL-ELYON? Why not ADONAI?
Do a word study of “God” and “Lord” in the book of Psalms. You will find YAHWEH or JEHOVAH is used more than any other name for God.
EL Shaddai and El Elyon were the names revealed to Abraham.
YAHWEH was the name was given to Moses as a memorial in Exodus 3:4.
The personal name of God used here denotes God being “ I Am the Shepherd, YAHWEH ROHI."
Of all the names that describe the character of God, JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is most descriptive.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is the most frequently used names of God in Scripture. It occurs 6,823 times.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) describes for us a God that is absolutely self-existent. It literally means “One who is what He is.” JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) possesses essential life and permanent existence. That is why He could say to Moses to tell them, “I AM THAT I AM, has sent you.”
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is that name which reveals to us that god is holy above all else. The seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 cried, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord (JEHOVAH)(YAHWEH) of hosts.”
His very essence is holiness. JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) loves righteousness in His people and blesses them accordingly. (Deuteronomy 11L13, 14) By contrast, JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) hates sin and will judge iniquity. (Exodus 20:4-6)
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is that name of God that is concerned with revealing new truth. It is not “thus saith God “ (ELOHIM). It is, “thus saith the Lord (JEHOVAH)(YAHWEH). Hundreds of times JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) reveals new truth to His servants. (Jeremiah 1:4, 7, 9, 11) JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is the God of special revelation.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is above all else holy and because of His eternal holiness, He is grieved by the sins of His people. (Psalm 95:10)
To know the name of God is to witness the manifestation of those attributes and apprehend that characters which the name denotes. The name signifies the active presence of the person in the fullness of the revealed character.
It is a known fact that when David was growing up in his father’s household he had the responsibility of shepherding his father’s sheep. What a great training ground for the future shepherd of Israel. I would not be surprised if the Lord revealed Himself to David as YAHWEH ROHI while he was out taking care of his father’s sheep, and as a result wrote the 23rd Psalm.
Shepherd
Why is YAHWEH described as a shepherd?
“Shepherd” is a modest metaphor, yet one that is loaded with meaning.
The Bible mentions shepherds and shepherding over 200 times. However, the Hebrew word for shepherding is often translated “feeding.” Shepherds led sheep to pasture and water and protected them from wild animals. They guarded their flocks at night whether in the open fields or in sheepfolds. They took care of their sheep.
Shepherd came to designate not only persons who herded sheep, but also kings and God Himself. Later prophets referred to Israel’s leaders as shepherds.
In reading about shepherds I came across something very interesting. There were occasions where one or more flocks would be gathered at a waterhole. When the shepherd got ready to leave he would start walking off and as he was leaving he would call out to his sheep, and only those sheep that knew his voice would follow him. The rest of the sheep there only followed the voice of their shepherd.
In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. (1 Samuel 16:10-11) Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As the Lord is the Good Shepherd, so we are his sheep—not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in right ways. This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep, but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the Good Shepherd, follow him!
Ancient shepherds knew their sheep by name.
They were acquainted with all of their ways:
Their peculiarities
Their characteristic marks
Their tendencies
Their idiosyncrasies
How do you get acquainted with a person and come to know his or her ways? It comes by spending quality time with him or her. Shepherds spent a lot of time with their sheep. This is how they knew each one individually.
A good shepherd never left his flock alone.
They would be lost without him, and his presence was their assurance.
To the sheep the shepherd was their:
Provider
Protector
Healer
Comforter
Rescuer
There are others who used the “shepherd” metaphor:
Jacob: GOD ACCEPTS US (Genesis 48:15):
And he blessed Joseph, and said,
"The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,"
The patriarch Jacob was a shepherd and the first person in the Bible to make use of the shepherd metaphor for God. As he lay dying, he looked back over his life and summed it up with these words: “God has been my shepherd all my life to this days.”
Isaiah: GOD KNOWS US INTIMATELY (Isaiah 40:26)
Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name.
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power
Not one of them is missing.
Isaiah envisioned a stellar Shepherd who each night called out His star-flock by name. It’s not only by chance that the stars have their assigned orbits and places in the universe. They do not rise at random, nor do they wander haphazardly through space. They rise at God’s beck and call. He brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name. Not one is forgotten. Not one is overlooked. Not one is left behind.
It’s terrible thing to be unknown. We live in fear we will never be known enough, that others will never know who we really are, what our desires are, and where our thoughts are taking us. Yet we have nothing to fear. God knows every one of His sheep by name.
He’s aware of each personality and peculiarity. There are the little ones that have to be carried, the cripples that can’t keep us, the nursing ewes that won’t be hurried, the old sheep that can barely get along. There are the bellwethers that always want to be out front, the bullies that butt and push to get their way, the timid ones (he sheepish) that are afraid to follow, the black sheep that are always the exception. There are those who graze their way into lostness and others more deliberately on the lam. The Good Shepherd knows us all.
God knows our pace. He knows when grief, pain, and loneliness overwhelms us. He knows when the full realization of our limitation comes dome to us. He knows when we’re shamed and broken and unable to go on. God does not drive His sheep. He gently leads them. He allows for hesitation and trepidation. He gives credit for decisions and resolutions that are strenuously tested. He understands courage that falters in the face of terrible odds. He can accommodate a faith that flames out under stress. He takes in account the hidden reasons for failure. He feels the full eight of our disasters. He knows our pain as no one else knows it. Our bleating reaches His ears. He even hears our inarticulate cries.
When we lag behind, He does now scold us. Rather, He gathers us up, encircles us with His strong arm, and carries us next to His heart. The essence, the central core of God’s character, lies here: He has the heart of a tender shepherd.
Jeremiah: GOD PURSUES US IN LOVE (Jeremiah 50:6, 19)
"My people have become lost sheep;
Their shepherds have led them astray.
They have made them turn aside on the mountains;
They have gone along from mountain to hill
And have forgotten their resting place."
And I shall bring Israel back to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead.
The prophet Jeremiah saw a flock of ruined sheep.
We readily forget God, our “resting place,” and wander away. Yet He pursues us wherever we go, with no complaint of the darkness, the cold wind, the heavy burden, the steep hill, or the thorny path over which He must pass to rescue one lost sheep. His love does not count time, energy, suffering, or even life itself.
His pursuit is not a reward for our goodness but the result of His decision to love. He is driven by love, not by our beauty. He is drawn to us when we have done nothing right and when we have done everything wrong. Jesus said: “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little one should be lost. “ (Matthew 18:12-14)
Lost sheep are not doomed. They are the ones He came to find.
Ezekiel: GOD TENDERLY CARES FOR US (Ezekiel 34: 6, 11, 12, 14-16)
"My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill, and My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth; and there was no one to search or seek for them."
For thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.
"I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord God. "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment. "
Ezekiel announced the birth of that best of all shepherds long before He was born. He said that when He came He would tend God’s flock with tender loving care.
It was Ezekiel’s task to care for scattered exiles far from home. He described them as sheep that were scattered “because there was no shepherd and no one searched or looked for them.”
Israel’s disbanding was their own fault, the result of years of resistance to god. They had looked to their idols and shed blood, and they had defiled their neighbor’s wives and done other detestable things. That’s why they were estranged. Yet God said: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. Good shepherds don’t look down on lost sheep; they look for them.
Sheep don’t have to go looking for their shepherd; it’s the other way around. He’s out looking for them. Even if the sheep aren’t thinking about the Shepherd, He pursues them to the ends of the earth. Simon Tugwell wrote: “He follows them into their own long, dark journey; there, where they though finally to escape Him, they run straight into His arms.”
There is, in fact, no way to escape Him except by running into His arms. Though we are stiff-necked and stubborn, He is equally stiff-necked and stubborn. He will never give up His pursuit. He cannot get us of His mind.
Furthermore, Ezekiel said, when the Good Shepherd finds His sheep he looks after them; “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep.” “Look after” suggests careful examination of each animal. Our Shepherd god is a good shepherd. He knows well the condition of His flock. He sees the marks of sorrow on each face. He knows every cut and bruise, every ache and pain. He recognizes the sings of hounding, misuse, and abuse, the wounds that others have given u and the residue of our own resistance.
He promises to do what other shepherds cannot or will not do. “I will bind up the injured and the handicapped, on those wounded by their own sin. He understands sorrow, misfortune, broken homes, shattered ambition. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) He applies the balm that makes the wounded whole. That’s the comfort of God to our beleaguered hearts.
But there is more. Another Good Shepherd was on the way, One who would be with the Father in pastoral compassion.
God was speaking of David’ long awaited Son, our lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
My Shepherd
Shepherd is qualified by the possessive pronoun “my.” The Psalm does not say “a shepherd,” but “my shepherd.”
What is involved in the relationship implied by the word “my?”:
A knowing
Intimacy
A belonging to
It implies a relationship
Think about this for a moment. If you have a wife, do you introduce her as “a wife,” which she is? No, you introduce her as “my wife.” How about your pastor? Do you introduce him as “a pastor, which he is, or do you introduce him as “my pastor?” By telling me that he is “my pastor” you are saying that you have a relationship with him.
Why the emphasis on personal possession?
It is one thing to say, “The Lord is “a shepherd.” It is another thing to say the Lord is “my” shepherd.
Which one is He to you? Is he “a shepherd” to you or is He “my” shepherd?
Martin Luther observed that faith is a matter of personal pronouns.
Consider what Thomas said when the Lord appeared to him and the other disciples after His resurrection. He said, “My Lord and My God.”
To profess, “the Lord is my shepherd” is to declare ones loyalty to God and intention to live under His reign. It is submission to His authority.
That makes it His responsibility to “pasture” or “feed” His sheep. I like to put it this way; it is His responsibility to “pastor” His sheep. This authenticates His rule over His sheep.
This is what a pastor does. He is the shepherd over a flock of sheep. His responsibility is to feed the flock the Shepherd has entrusted him with.
I have a good friend who is a pastor and I remember him telling me this one-day. He was praying about the fact that he was an associate pastor and wanted to be a senior pastor. He said that while he was praying the Lord spoke to him and told him that he would always be an associate pastor. This implied that the Lord is the Senior Pastor.
The word “shepherd” carries with it thoughts of tenderness, security, and provision, yet it means nothing as long as I cannot say, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The use of the expression “my shepherd” implies that the writer classified himself as one of the sheep.
Yahweh is likened to a shepherd. What are the characteristics, attitudes and functions of a shepherd?
The shepherd is faithful to the sheep.
The shepherd has a heart for the sheep.
The shepherd exhibited strength.
The shepherd exhibited tenderness.
The shepherd is will to sacrifice for the sheep.
The shepherd exhibited a caring heart.
The shepherd also had certain functions that were characteristic of his job:
He was their Provider.
He was their Protector
He was their Healer
He was their Rescuer
The shepherd exhibited certain attitudes:
He knew each sheep by name.
He was acquainted with all the ways of his sheep; their peculiarities; their characteristic marks; their tendencies; and all of their idiosyncrasies.
He didn’t drive His sheep, but lead them.
He guarded the sheep at all times and never left them alone.
He always went after the strays.
Does this sound like Someone we know?
The use of the expression “my shepherd” implies that the writer classified himself as one of the sheep.
Sheep
Everybody say BAA BAA
Psalm 79:13 says, “We are the sheep of His pasture”.
Well, if we are His sheep, we need to find out exactly what the characteristics of sheep and why we need a shepherd.
They are easily frightened
By nature, they are unclean and cannot clean themselves.
They are virtually defenseless and cannot protect themselves.
They cannot find their food and water.
They lack a sense of direction and they cannot guide themselves.
Sheep cannot do anything for themselves.
They are helpless.
Why do sheep need a shepherd?
Without the shepherd they can do nothing.
Jesus said in John 15:5 “Without Me you can do nothing.”
Confirmed in Christ
Twice in the gospel of John Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
"I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me,” (John 1014
Who is Christ?
What is our view of Him?
Too small
Too cramped
Too provincial
Too human
Because it is, we feel unwilling to allow Him to have authority or control… much less outright ownership of our lives.
If we pause to reflect on the person of Christ, on His power, and upon His achievement, suddenly like David we will be glad to state proudly, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
What does Colossians 1:15-20 have to say about Him:
“And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. [16] For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [18] He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. [19] For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, [20] and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (NASB)
If we put the underlined passages together it will read like this:
“For by Him all things were created; all things have been created by Him and for Him so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.”
The “all things” would include you and me. We were created by Him and for Him so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. Basically what it says is the He owns us.
There is more to this.
When the simple, though sublime statement is made by a man or woman that “The Lord is my shepherd”, it immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker. It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny. It means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence.
To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately give great purpose and enormous meaning to short sojourn upon this planet.
The greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of Christ, the more vial will be my relationship to Him. We can say to the world, “Look who my shepherd is, my owner, my manager, the Lord is.
If the Lord is my shepherd I should know something of His character and understand something of His ability.
The Creator of such an enormous universe of overwhelming magnitude desires to call Himself my shepherd and invites me to consider myself His sheep, His special object of affection and attention.
Who could better care for me?
Why are we under obligation to recognize His ownership of us?
There are three senses of ownership:
FIRST:
His ownership of me is legitimate, simply because it is He who brought me into being and no one is better able to understand or care for me. I belong to Him because He deliberately chose to create me as the object of His own affection.
SECOND:
In a very real and vital sense I truly belong to Him simple because He has bought me again at he incredible price of His own laid down life and shed blood.
So there remains the moving realization that we have been bought with a price, that we are really not our own and He is well within His rights to lay claim upon our lives.
It is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep.
The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways:
Our mass mind (or mob instinct)
Our fears
Our timidity
Our stubbornness
Our stupidity
Our perverse habits.
¨ Yet despite these adverse characteristics, Christ chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us His own, and delights in caring for us.
THIRD:
¨ He literally lays Himself out for us continually:
He is ever interceding for us.
He is ever guiding us by His gracious Spirit.
He is ever working on our behalf to ensure that we will benefit from His care.
The entire 23rd Psalm goes on to recount the manner in which the Good Shepherd spares no pains for the welfare of His sheep.
Marking
For the man or woman who recognizes the claims of Christ and give allegiance to His absolute ownership, there comes the question of bearing His mark.
The mark of the cross is that which should identify us with Him for all time.
The question is; Does it?
What does Jesus have to say?
Luke 9:57-62
And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Permit me first to go and bury my father." But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." And another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NASB)
Luke 14:25-35
Now great multitudes were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? "Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and take counsel whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? "Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks terms of peace. "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. "Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? "It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (NASB)
Matthew 10:32-39
"Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. [33] "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
[34] "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] "For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; [36] and a man's enemies will be the members of his household. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it. (NASB)
What does this amount to?
A person exchanges the fickle fortunes of living a life by sheer whimsy for the more productive and satisfying adventure of being guided by God.
It is a tragic truth that many people who really never come under His direction or management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd.” They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their shepherd, somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.
One cannot have it both ways. Either we belong or we don’t. There is no middle ground.
It is a sobering and most serious thought, which should make us search our own hearts and motives and personal relationships to Him.
Do I really belong to Him?
Do I really recognize His right to me?
Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership?
Do I find freedom and complete fullness in this arrangement?
Do I sense a purpose and deep contentment because I am under His direction?
Do I know rest and repose besides a definite sense of exciting adventure in belonging to Him?
The Psalm begins with a positive and unequivocal statement: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
There are not “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.
It does not say “I wish” or I hope”. It is a statement of assurance and certainty.
It says in effect “It is a present reality beyond question of doubt that “Yahweh is my shepherd.”
How many of us can say with assurance and certainty that “Yahweh is my shepherd”?
I Shall Not Want
The Psalmist says, “I shall not want.” He does not say “I shall lack anything” or “I shall not need.”
What is the importance of the word “want.”
The Hebrew word for “want” is “chacer.” It is most frequently used to express the sufficiency of God’s grace to meet the needs of His people. They never lack.
Psalm 34:10 tells us this:
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord (YAHWEH)(JEHOVAH) lack no good thing.”
Isn’t that interesting. Those who seek “YAHWEH” (JEHOVAH) lack no good thing.
What does this include? I would venture to say that it includes both the physical needs as well as the spiritual. There is nothing left out.
What proud, positive, and bold statement to make. Obviously this is the sentiment of a sheep utterly satisfied with its owner and perfectly content with its lot in life.
The idea of “want” includes the main concept of not lacking, nor deficient, and in proper care, management or husbandry.
Another idea is of being utterly contented in the Good Shepherd’s care and consequently not craving or desiring anything more.
One of the fallacies that is common among Christians today is the assertion that if a man or woman is prospering materially it is a significant mark of the blessing of God on their lives.
One can be materially wealthy yet spiritually poor.
“I shall not want. I shall not lack the expert care and management of my Master.”
To grasp the inner significance of this simple statement it is necessary to understand the difference between belonging to one master or another… the Good Shepherd or an imposter.
Jesus Himself took great pains to point out to anyone who contemplated following Him that it was with quite impossible to serve two masters. One either belongs to Him or you belong to another. There is no middle ground.
When all is said and done, the welfare of the flock is entirely dependent upon the management afforded them by their owner. It is the boss…the manager…the Master in people’s lives that make the difference in their destiny.
Contentment should be the hallmark of the man or woman who has put his or her affairs in the hands of God. This especially applies in our affluent age.
But the outstanding paradox is the intense fever of discontentment among people who are ever speaking of security. Despite an unparalleled wealth in material assets, we are outstandingly insecure and unsure of ourselves and well nigh bankrupt in spiritual values. Men are always searching for safety beyond themselves.
They are restless, unsettled, covetous greedy for more, wanting this and that, yet never satisfied in spirit.
By contrast the simple Christian, the humble person, the Shepherds sheep can stand up proudly and boast, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Am I completely satisfied with His management of my life?
Why or why not?
If I am satisfied under His management, it is because:
He is the shepherd to whom no trouble is too great as He cares for His flock.
He is the rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep… who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them.
He will, if necessary, be on the job 24/7 to see that they are properly provided for in every detail.
Above all, He is jealous of His name and high reputation as “The Good Shepherd.”
He is the owner who delights in His flock.
For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe, and flourishing under His care.
This is indeed His very “life”.
He gives all He has to it.
He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.
He will go to no end of trouble and labor to supply them with the finest grazing; the richest pastures, ample feed, and clean water.
He will spare Himself no pains to provide shelter from storms, protections from ruthless enemies, and the disease and parasites to which sheep are so susceptible.
In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are still not content with His control.
They are somewhat dissatisfied; always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener.
These are carnal Christians. One might almost call the “fence crawlers” or “half-Christians” who want the best of both worlds.
That is not only the first statement of this song, it is its inclusive statement. Everything that follows interprets the glory and sufficiency of the fact thus declared.
When this is said, all is said.
Whatever may be added, is only to help us to understand the fullness of this great truth.
An adequate interpretation of this affirmation demands recognition of the fact that in all Eastern thought, and very definitely in Biblical literature, a king is a shepherd. This is the supreme song in the Psalter concerning the Kingship of God in its application to the individual soul.
Other songs set forth the wonders of His Kingship of the nation, and over all peoples.
There are only two persons in this Psalm, Jehovah and the singer, save where enemies are referred to.
The personal note is immediately struck, ”YAHWEH is my Shepherd!” This eternal King, ruling over the entire universe, is also the direct, personal, immediate King of every individual soul.
When this is recognized, the glory of the song is discovered.
It is a revelation of the nature and method of the divine government of the individual life.
Pondered in this way, the Psalm becomes a beautiful interpretation of that wonderful phrase of Paul, “The good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12)
Under His sway there is no lack.
Our peaceful days He creates.
If we wander, we are not abandoned.
In the darkest hours He is still with us.
He upholds us and delivers us in conflict.
He entertains us on the pilgrimage, and receives us into His house forever.
All the uttermost of value in this song has been interpreted to us through Him who said of Himself, “I Am the Good Shepherd.”
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NASB)
Certainly the most familiar psalm, and perhaps the most familiar passage in the whole Bible, Psalm 23 is a challenge for the interpreter.
On one hand, its familiarity and obvious power seem to make commentary superfluous.
On the other hand, its very familiarity invites the attempt to hear it in a fresh way.
The challenge in this regard is the fact that Psalm 23 has become what William L. Holladay calls, “an American secular icon,” and it is almost exclusively associated with a particular contemporary setting: the funeral service. To be sure, it is appropriate that Psalm 23 be read and heard in the midst of death and dying.
It may be more important, however, that this psalm be read and heard as a psalm about living, for it puts daily activities, as such as eating, drinking, and seeking security, in a radically God-centered perspective that challenges our usual way of thinking.
Furthermore, it calls us not simply to claim individual assurance but also to take our place with others in the household of God.
Psalm 23 is divided into two sections.
The first section, verses 1 to 3, might be call the “He” section, which describes the way the Shepherd cares for His sheep.
He does everything for us; we are not required to do anything but follow. He protects and provides for us as we stay close to Him. So we could say that the theme for these first three verses implies relationship.
He is my Shepherd and Lord.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
The second section, verses 4 to 6, tells us what the sheep receive.
The relationship between the sheep and the Shepherd is two way. In the first half of the Psalm we see all the great and wonderful things our Lord does for us, without having to do anything.
The second half of the Psalm is the “I” section. Because the Shepherd has done everything for me, I am now responsible to follow Him closely so He can provide for me and protect me.
What does this mean for me His sheep?
I will fear no evil.
I will have Him with me always.
I will be comforted by His rod and staff.
I will eat from a prepared table.
I will have my head anointed with oil.
I will have goodness and mercy follow me.
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
While there has been no election or contest to determine our society’s favorite Bible passage, the 23rd Psalm is clearly the most beloved passages of Scripture because of the way it has become woven into the fabric of our lives.
We often hear it quoted at funerals, baptisms, and other religious services. Many people can quote it word for word, while others, both inside and outside the Church, who do not know the Psalm by heart nevertheless recognize it when they hear it.
Let’s begin our journey into this Psalm of David and find out what he learned about YAHWEH ROHI.
Verse 1: The Lord Is My Shepherd I Shall Not Want
The Lord.
The problem with most of us is that we have no clear picture of the God we worship.
Our image of Him is clouded by the memory of cold cathedrals and bitter religion, by pastors and priests who put the fear of God in us, or by all that we suffered as children from fathers who were absent, emotionally detached, brutal or weak.
All of us have inexact notions of God.
So this leads us to some questions:
Who is God?
Who is the Lord?
What is His character?
Does He have adequate credentials to be my shepherd, my manager, my owner?
And if He does, how do I come under His control?
In what ways do I become the object of His concern and diligent care?
These are penetrating, searching questions and they deserve honest and basic examination.
The question, “Who is the Lord?” to which all other questions lead, is the question God Himself has put into our hearts. And if He put it into our hearts, there must be an answer in His heart waiting to be revealed.
David gives us a comforting and compelling answer: “ The Lord is my shepherd.”
When David stated explicitly. “The Lord is my shepherd,” to whom did he refer?
David’s opening statement in Psalm 23 introduces the controlling image that appears throughout this Psalm.
He referred to “YAHWEH”, the Lord God of Israel.
This is the personal name of God. It means “I AM WHO I AM.” It means, “I will be Who I will be,” and “the Self-existent Being.”
This is the name He gave Himself in Exodus 3:4 when Moses asked Him whom shall I say sent me.
God’s name identifies His nature, so that a request for the “Name” is equivalent to asking about His character: Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, Jehovah Rophe. The Lord our Healer; Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner.
The name YAHWEH (JEHOVAH) is used for God instead of another name or title.
Why is it used instead of another name for, God? Why not ELOHIM? Why not EL SHADDAI?
Why not EL-ELYON? Why not ADONAI?
Do a word study of “God” and “Lord” in the book of Psalms. You will find YAHWEH or JEHOVAH is used more than any other name for God.
EL Shaddai and El Elyon were the names revealed to Abraham.
YAHWEH was the name was given to Moses as a memorial in Exodus 3:4.
The personal name of God used here denotes God being “ I Am the Shepherd, YAHWEH ROHI."
Of all the names that describe the character of God, JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is most descriptive.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is the most frequently used names of God in Scripture. It occurs 6,823 times.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) describes for us a God that is absolutely self-existent. It literally means “One who is what He is.” JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) possesses essential life and permanent existence. That is why He could say to Moses to tell them, “I AM THAT I AM, has sent you.”
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is that name which reveals to us that god is holy above all else. The seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 cried, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord (JEHOVAH)(YAHWEH) of hosts.”
His very essence is holiness. JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) loves righteousness in His people and blesses them accordingly. (Deuteronomy 11L13, 14) By contrast, JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) hates sin and will judge iniquity. (Exodus 20:4-6)
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is that name of God that is concerned with revealing new truth. It is not “thus saith God “ (ELOHIM). It is, “thus saith the Lord (JEHOVAH)(YAHWEH). Hundreds of times JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) reveals new truth to His servants. (Jeremiah 1:4, 7, 9, 11) JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is the God of special revelation.
JEHOVAH (YAHWEH) is above all else holy and because of His eternal holiness, He is grieved by the sins of His people. (Psalm 95:10)
To know the name of God is to witness the manifestation of those attributes and apprehend that characters which the name denotes. The name signifies the active presence of the person in the fullness of the revealed character.
It is a known fact that when David was growing up in his father’s household he had the responsibility of shepherding his father’s sheep. What a great training ground for the future shepherd of Israel. I would not be surprised if the Lord revealed Himself to David as YAHWEH ROHI while he was out taking care of his father’s sheep, and as a result wrote the 23rd Psalm.
Shepherd
Why is YAHWEH described as a shepherd?
“Shepherd” is a modest metaphor, yet one that is loaded with meaning.
The Bible mentions shepherds and shepherding over 200 times. However, the Hebrew word for shepherding is often translated “feeding.” Shepherds led sheep to pasture and water and protected them from wild animals. They guarded their flocks at night whether in the open fields or in sheepfolds. They took care of their sheep.
Shepherd came to designate not only persons who herded sheep, but also kings and God Himself. Later prophets referred to Israel’s leaders as shepherds.
In reading about shepherds I came across something very interesting. There were occasions where one or more flocks would be gathered at a waterhole. When the shepherd got ready to leave he would start walking off and as he was leaving he would call out to his sheep, and only those sheep that knew his voice would follow him. The rest of the sheep there only followed the voice of their shepherd.
In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. (1 Samuel 16:10-11) Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the Good Shepherd (John 10:11); the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20); and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). As the Lord is the Good Shepherd, so we are his sheep—not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in right ways. This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep, but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the Good Shepherd, follow him!
Ancient shepherds knew their sheep by name.
They were acquainted with all of their ways:
Their peculiarities
Their characteristic marks
Their tendencies
Their idiosyncrasies
How do you get acquainted with a person and come to know his or her ways? It comes by spending quality time with him or her. Shepherds spent a lot of time with their sheep. This is how they knew each one individually.
A good shepherd never left his flock alone.
They would be lost without him, and his presence was their assurance.
To the sheep the shepherd was their:
Provider
Protector
Healer
Comforter
Rescuer
There are others who used the “shepherd” metaphor:
Jacob: GOD ACCEPTS US (Genesis 48:15):
And he blessed Joseph, and said,
"The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,
The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,"
The patriarch Jacob was a shepherd and the first person in the Bible to make use of the shepherd metaphor for God. As he lay dying, he looked back over his life and summed it up with these words: “God has been my shepherd all my life to this days.”
Isaiah: GOD KNOWS US INTIMATELY (Isaiah 40:26)
Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name.
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power
Not one of them is missing.
Isaiah envisioned a stellar Shepherd who each night called out His star-flock by name. It’s not only by chance that the stars have their assigned orbits and places in the universe. They do not rise at random, nor do they wander haphazardly through space. They rise at God’s beck and call. He brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name. Not one is forgotten. Not one is overlooked. Not one is left behind.
It’s terrible thing to be unknown. We live in fear we will never be known enough, that others will never know who we really are, what our desires are, and where our thoughts are taking us. Yet we have nothing to fear. God knows every one of His sheep by name.
He’s aware of each personality and peculiarity. There are the little ones that have to be carried, the cripples that can’t keep us, the nursing ewes that won’t be hurried, the old sheep that can barely get along. There are the bellwethers that always want to be out front, the bullies that butt and push to get their way, the timid ones (he sheepish) that are afraid to follow, the black sheep that are always the exception. There are those who graze their way into lostness and others more deliberately on the lam. The Good Shepherd knows us all.
God knows our pace. He knows when grief, pain, and loneliness overwhelms us. He knows when the full realization of our limitation comes dome to us. He knows when we’re shamed and broken and unable to go on. God does not drive His sheep. He gently leads them. He allows for hesitation and trepidation. He gives credit for decisions and resolutions that are strenuously tested. He understands courage that falters in the face of terrible odds. He can accommodate a faith that flames out under stress. He takes in account the hidden reasons for failure. He feels the full eight of our disasters. He knows our pain as no one else knows it. Our bleating reaches His ears. He even hears our inarticulate cries.
When we lag behind, He does now scold us. Rather, He gathers us up, encircles us with His strong arm, and carries us next to His heart. The essence, the central core of God’s character, lies here: He has the heart of a tender shepherd.
Jeremiah: GOD PURSUES US IN LOVE (Jeremiah 50:6, 19)
"My people have become lost sheep;
Their shepherds have led them astray.
They have made them turn aside on the mountains;
They have gone along from mountain to hill
And have forgotten their resting place."
And I shall bring Israel back to his pasture, and he will graze on Carmel and Bashan, and his desire will be satisfied in the hill country of Ephraim and Gilead.
The prophet Jeremiah saw a flock of ruined sheep.
We readily forget God, our “resting place,” and wander away. Yet He pursues us wherever we go, with no complaint of the darkness, the cold wind, the heavy burden, the steep hill, or the thorny path over which He must pass to rescue one lost sheep. His love does not count time, energy, suffering, or even life itself.
His pursuit is not a reward for our goodness but the result of His decision to love. He is driven by love, not by our beauty. He is drawn to us when we have done nothing right and when we have done everything wrong. Jesus said: “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little one should be lost. “ (Matthew 18:12-14)
Lost sheep are not doomed. They are the ones He came to find.
Ezekiel: GOD TENDERLY CARES FOR US (Ezekiel 34: 6, 11, 12, 14-16)
"My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill, and My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth; and there was no one to search or seek for them."
For thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. "As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.
"I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. "I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord God. "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment. "
Ezekiel announced the birth of that best of all shepherds long before He was born. He said that when He came He would tend God’s flock with tender loving care.
It was Ezekiel’s task to care for scattered exiles far from home. He described them as sheep that were scattered “because there was no shepherd and no one searched or looked for them.”
Israel’s disbanding was their own fault, the result of years of resistance to god. They had looked to their idols and shed blood, and they had defiled their neighbor’s wives and done other detestable things. That’s why they were estranged. Yet God said: “I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. Good shepherds don’t look down on lost sheep; they look for them.
Sheep don’t have to go looking for their shepherd; it’s the other way around. He’s out looking for them. Even if the sheep aren’t thinking about the Shepherd, He pursues them to the ends of the earth. Simon Tugwell wrote: “He follows them into their own long, dark journey; there, where they though finally to escape Him, they run straight into His arms.”
There is, in fact, no way to escape Him except by running into His arms. Though we are stiff-necked and stubborn, He is equally stiff-necked and stubborn. He will never give up His pursuit. He cannot get us of His mind.
Furthermore, Ezekiel said, when the Good Shepherd finds His sheep he looks after them; “As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep.” “Look after” suggests careful examination of each animal. Our Shepherd god is a good shepherd. He knows well the condition of His flock. He sees the marks of sorrow on each face. He knows every cut and bruise, every ache and pain. He recognizes the sings of hounding, misuse, and abuse, the wounds that others have given u and the residue of our own resistance.
He promises to do what other shepherds cannot or will not do. “I will bind up the injured and the handicapped, on those wounded by their own sin. He understands sorrow, misfortune, broken homes, shattered ambition. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) He applies the balm that makes the wounded whole. That’s the comfort of God to our beleaguered hearts.
But there is more. Another Good Shepherd was on the way, One who would be with the Father in pastoral compassion.
God was speaking of David’ long awaited Son, our lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
My Shepherd
Shepherd is qualified by the possessive pronoun “my.” The Psalm does not say “a shepherd,” but “my shepherd.”
What is involved in the relationship implied by the word “my?”:
A knowing
Intimacy
A belonging to
It implies a relationship
Think about this for a moment. If you have a wife, do you introduce her as “a wife,” which she is? No, you introduce her as “my wife.” How about your pastor? Do you introduce him as “a pastor, which he is, or do you introduce him as “my pastor?” By telling me that he is “my pastor” you are saying that you have a relationship with him.
Why the emphasis on personal possession?
It is one thing to say, “The Lord is “a shepherd.” It is another thing to say the Lord is “my” shepherd.
Which one is He to you? Is he “a shepherd” to you or is He “my” shepherd?
Martin Luther observed that faith is a matter of personal pronouns.
Consider what Thomas said when the Lord appeared to him and the other disciples after His resurrection. He said, “My Lord and My God.”
To profess, “the Lord is my shepherd” is to declare ones loyalty to God and intention to live under His reign. It is submission to His authority.
That makes it His responsibility to “pasture” or “feed” His sheep. I like to put it this way; it is His responsibility to “pastor” His sheep. This authenticates His rule over His sheep.
This is what a pastor does. He is the shepherd over a flock of sheep. His responsibility is to feed the flock the Shepherd has entrusted him with.
I have a good friend who is a pastor and I remember him telling me this one-day. He was praying about the fact that he was an associate pastor and wanted to be a senior pastor. He said that while he was praying the Lord spoke to him and told him that he would always be an associate pastor. This implied that the Lord is the Senior Pastor.
The word “shepherd” carries with it thoughts of tenderness, security, and provision, yet it means nothing as long as I cannot say, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The use of the expression “my shepherd” implies that the writer classified himself as one of the sheep.
Yahweh is likened to a shepherd. What are the characteristics, attitudes and functions of a shepherd?
The shepherd is faithful to the sheep.
The shepherd has a heart for the sheep.
The shepherd exhibited strength.
The shepherd exhibited tenderness.
The shepherd is will to sacrifice for the sheep.
The shepherd exhibited a caring heart.
The shepherd also had certain functions that were characteristic of his job:
He was their Provider.
He was their Protector
He was their Healer
He was their Rescuer
The shepherd exhibited certain attitudes:
He knew each sheep by name.
He was acquainted with all the ways of his sheep; their peculiarities; their characteristic marks; their tendencies; and all of their idiosyncrasies.
He didn’t drive His sheep, but lead them.
He guarded the sheep at all times and never left them alone.
He always went after the strays.
Does this sound like Someone we know?
The use of the expression “my shepherd” implies that the writer classified himself as one of the sheep.
Sheep
Everybody say BAA BAA
Psalm 79:13 says, “We are the sheep of His pasture”.
Well, if we are His sheep, we need to find out exactly what the characteristics of sheep and why we need a shepherd.
They are easily frightened
By nature, they are unclean and cannot clean themselves.
They are virtually defenseless and cannot protect themselves.
They cannot find their food and water.
They lack a sense of direction and they cannot guide themselves.
Sheep cannot do anything for themselves.
They are helpless.
Why do sheep need a shepherd?
Without the shepherd they can do nothing.
Jesus said in John 15:5 “Without Me you can do nothing.”
Confirmed in Christ
Twice in the gospel of John Jesus said:
"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
"I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me,” (John 1014
Who is Christ?
What is our view of Him?
Too small
Too cramped
Too provincial
Too human
Because it is, we feel unwilling to allow Him to have authority or control… much less outright ownership of our lives.
If we pause to reflect on the person of Christ, on His power, and upon His achievement, suddenly like David we will be glad to state proudly, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
What does Colossians 1:15-20 have to say about Him:
“And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. [16] For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. [17] And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [18] He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. [19] For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, [20] and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (NASB)
If we put the underlined passages together it will read like this:
“For by Him all things were created; all things have been created by Him and for Him so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.”
The “all things” would include you and me. We were created by Him and for Him so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. Basically what it says is the He owns us.
There is more to this.
When the simple, though sublime statement is made by a man or woman that “The Lord is my shepherd”, it immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker. It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny. It means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence.
To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately give great purpose and enormous meaning to short sojourn upon this planet.
The greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of Christ, the more vial will be my relationship to Him. We can say to the world, “Look who my shepherd is, my owner, my manager, the Lord is.
If the Lord is my shepherd I should know something of His character and understand something of His ability.
The Creator of such an enormous universe of overwhelming magnitude desires to call Himself my shepherd and invites me to consider myself His sheep, His special object of affection and attention.
Who could better care for me?
Why are we under obligation to recognize His ownership of us?
There are three senses of ownership:
FIRST:
His ownership of me is legitimate, simply because it is He who brought me into being and no one is better able to understand or care for me. I belong to Him because He deliberately chose to create me as the object of His own affection.
SECOND:
In a very real and vital sense I truly belong to Him simple because He has bought me again at he incredible price of His own laid down life and shed blood.
So there remains the moving realization that we have been bought with a price, that we are really not our own and He is well within His rights to lay claim upon our lives.
It is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep.
The behavior of sheep and human beings is similar in many ways:
Our mass mind (or mob instinct)
Our fears
Our timidity
Our stubbornness
Our stupidity
Our perverse habits.
¨ Yet despite these adverse characteristics, Christ chooses us, buys us, calls us by name, makes us His own, and delights in caring for us.
THIRD:
¨ He literally lays Himself out for us continually:
He is ever interceding for us.
He is ever guiding us by His gracious Spirit.
He is ever working on our behalf to ensure that we will benefit from His care.
The entire 23rd Psalm goes on to recount the manner in which the Good Shepherd spares no pains for the welfare of His sheep.
Marking
For the man or woman who recognizes the claims of Christ and give allegiance to His absolute ownership, there comes the question of bearing His mark.
The mark of the cross is that which should identify us with Him for all time.
The question is; Does it?
What does Jesus have to say?
Luke 9:57-62
And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." And He said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Permit me first to go and bury my father." But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." And another also said, "I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home." But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (NASB)
Luke 14:25-35
Now great multitudes were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? "Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and take counsel whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? "Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks terms of peace. "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. "Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned? "It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (NASB)
Matthew 10:32-39
"Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. [33] "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
[34] "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] "For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; [36] and a man's enemies will be the members of his household. "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. "He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it. (NASB)
What does this amount to?
A person exchanges the fickle fortunes of living a life by sheer whimsy for the more productive and satisfying adventure of being guided by God.
It is a tragic truth that many people who really never come under His direction or management claim that “The Lord is my shepherd.” They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their shepherd, somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.
One cannot have it both ways. Either we belong or we don’t. There is no middle ground.
It is a sobering and most serious thought, which should make us search our own hearts and motives and personal relationships to Him.
Do I really belong to Him?
Do I really recognize His right to me?
Do I respond to His authority and acknowledge His ownership?
Do I find freedom and complete fullness in this arrangement?
Do I sense a purpose and deep contentment because I am under His direction?
Do I know rest and repose besides a definite sense of exciting adventure in belonging to Him?
The Psalm begins with a positive and unequivocal statement: “The Lord is my shepherd.”
There are not “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.
It does not say “I wish” or I hope”. It is a statement of assurance and certainty.
It says in effect “It is a present reality beyond question of doubt that “Yahweh is my shepherd.”
How many of us can say with assurance and certainty that “Yahweh is my shepherd”?
I Shall Not Want
The Psalmist says, “I shall not want.” He does not say “I shall lack anything” or “I shall not need.”
What is the importance of the word “want.”
The Hebrew word for “want” is “chacer.” It is most frequently used to express the sufficiency of God’s grace to meet the needs of His people. They never lack.
Psalm 34:10 tells us this:
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord (YAHWEH)(JEHOVAH) lack no good thing.”
Isn’t that interesting. Those who seek “YAHWEH” (JEHOVAH) lack no good thing.
What does this include? I would venture to say that it includes both the physical needs as well as the spiritual. There is nothing left out.
What proud, positive, and bold statement to make. Obviously this is the sentiment of a sheep utterly satisfied with its owner and perfectly content with its lot in life.
The idea of “want” includes the main concept of not lacking, nor deficient, and in proper care, management or husbandry.
Another idea is of being utterly contented in the Good Shepherd’s care and consequently not craving or desiring anything more.
One of the fallacies that is common among Christians today is the assertion that if a man or woman is prospering materially it is a significant mark of the blessing of God on their lives.
One can be materially wealthy yet spiritually poor.
“I shall not want. I shall not lack the expert care and management of my Master.”
To grasp the inner significance of this simple statement it is necessary to understand the difference between belonging to one master or another… the Good Shepherd or an imposter.
Jesus Himself took great pains to point out to anyone who contemplated following Him that it was with quite impossible to serve two masters. One either belongs to Him or you belong to another. There is no middle ground.
When all is said and done, the welfare of the flock is entirely dependent upon the management afforded them by their owner. It is the boss…the manager…the Master in people’s lives that make the difference in their destiny.
Contentment should be the hallmark of the man or woman who has put his or her affairs in the hands of God. This especially applies in our affluent age.
But the outstanding paradox is the intense fever of discontentment among people who are ever speaking of security. Despite an unparalleled wealth in material assets, we are outstandingly insecure and unsure of ourselves and well nigh bankrupt in spiritual values. Men are always searching for safety beyond themselves.
They are restless, unsettled, covetous greedy for more, wanting this and that, yet never satisfied in spirit.
By contrast the simple Christian, the humble person, the Shepherds sheep can stand up proudly and boast, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Am I completely satisfied with His management of my life?
Why or why not?
If I am satisfied under His management, it is because:
He is the shepherd to whom no trouble is too great as He cares for His flock.
He is the rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep… who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them.
He will, if necessary, be on the job 24/7 to see that they are properly provided for in every detail.
Above all, He is jealous of His name and high reputation as “The Good Shepherd.”
He is the owner who delights in His flock.
For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe, and flourishing under His care.
This is indeed His very “life”.
He gives all He has to it.
He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.
He will go to no end of trouble and labor to supply them with the finest grazing; the richest pastures, ample feed, and clean water.
He will spare Himself no pains to provide shelter from storms, protections from ruthless enemies, and the disease and parasites to which sheep are so susceptible.
In spite of having such a master and owner, the fact remains that some Christians are still not content with His control.
They are somewhat dissatisfied; always feeling that somehow the grass beyond the fence must be a little greener.
These are carnal Christians. One might almost call the “fence crawlers” or “half-Christians” who want the best of both worlds.
That is not only the first statement of this song, it is its inclusive statement. Everything that follows interprets the glory and sufficiency of the fact thus declared.
When this is said, all is said.
Whatever may be added, is only to help us to understand the fullness of this great truth.
An adequate interpretation of this affirmation demands recognition of the fact that in all Eastern thought, and very definitely in Biblical literature, a king is a shepherd. This is the supreme song in the Psalter concerning the Kingship of God in its application to the individual soul.
Other songs set forth the wonders of His Kingship of the nation, and over all peoples.
There are only two persons in this Psalm, Jehovah and the singer, save where enemies are referred to.
The personal note is immediately struck, ”YAHWEH is my Shepherd!” This eternal King, ruling over the entire universe, is also the direct, personal, immediate King of every individual soul.
When this is recognized, the glory of the song is discovered.
It is a revelation of the nature and method of the divine government of the individual life.
Pondered in this way, the Psalm becomes a beautiful interpretation of that wonderful phrase of Paul, “The good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12)
Under His sway there is no lack.
Our peaceful days He creates.
If we wander, we are not abandoned.
In the darkest hours He is still with us.
He upholds us and delivers us in conflict.
He entertains us on the pilgrimage, and receives us into His house forever.
All the uttermost of value in this song has been interpreted to us through Him who said of Himself, “I Am the Good Shepherd.”
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