ABILITIES
Exodus 31:3
"And I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship,"
Romans 12:6
“And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”
2 Corinthians 1:4
“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.”
ABUNDANCE
Deuteronomy 15:6-7
"For the Lord your God shall bless you as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother;"
Deuteronomy 30:9
"Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers;"
Psalm 92:12
"The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree,
He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon."
Isaiah 41:18
"I will open rivers on the bare heights,
And springs in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land fountains of water."
Malachi 3:10
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."
ANGELS
Psalm 34:7
"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them."
Psalm 91:11-12
"For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Isaiah 63:9
"In all their affliction He was afflicted,
And the angel of His presence saved them;
In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them;
And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old."
Matthew 4:11
"Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him."
Matthew 18:10
"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven."
Hebrews 1:7
And of the angels He says,
“Who makes His angels winds,
And His Minister a flame of fire”
ASSURANCE
Genesis 26:3
"Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham."
Ezekiel 34:16
"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."
John 14:18
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Hebrews 6:17-18
"In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, [18] in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us."
Hebrews 13:6
"So that we confidently say,
The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What shall man do to me?"
AUTHORITY
Genesis 1:27-28
"And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [28] And God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Genesis 9:2
"And the fear of you and the terror of you shall be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given."
2 Samuel 22:30
"For by Thee I can run upon a troop;
By my God I can leap over a wall."
Luke 10:19
"Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall injure you."
CHURCH
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."
Isaiah 54:17
"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their vindication is from Me," declares the Lord."
Haggai 2:9
'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts, 'and in this place I shall give peace,' declares the Lord of hosts."
Matthew 16:18
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."
Romans 12:5
"So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
Ephesians 2:19-22
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, [20] having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, [21] in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; [22] in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
CONFIDENCE
Isaiah 40:31
"Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
2 Corinthians 3:5
"Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God,"
2 Corinthians 9:8
"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;"
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."
1 John 4:4
"You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
DELIVERANCE
Exodus 3:8
"So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite."
Psalm 18:19
"He brought me forth also into a broad place;
He rescued me, because He delighted in me.
Psalm 34:9
O fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him, there is no want."
Isaiah 10:27
"So it will be in that day, that his burden will be removed from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be broken because of fatness."
2 Timothy 4:18
"The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
ETERNAL LIFE
Job 19:25-26
"And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.
"Even after my skin is destroyed,
Yet from my flesh I shall see God;"
Matthew 16:25
"For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it."
Matthew 16:27
"For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds."
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
1 John 5:11
"And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."
ETERNAL HONOR
Malachi 3:17
"And they will be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him."
James 1:12
"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
1 Peter 1:4
"To obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,"
Rev. 2:17
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
Rev. 3:12
'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name."
Rev. 3:21
'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
Rev. 21:7
"He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son."
FAITH
Mark 9:23
And Jesus said to him, " 'If You can!' All things are possible to him who believes."
Luke 17:6
And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you. "
Romans 1:17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith."
Romans 5:1-2
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."
Galatians 3:11
"Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, The righteous man shall live by faith."
FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
Numbers 23:19
"God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent;
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?"
Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;"
1 Kings 8:56
"Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant."
Psalm 121:3-4
"He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalm 145:18-19
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He will also hear their cry and will save them."
Isaiah 54:10
"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,"
Says the Lord who has compassion on you.
John 6:37
"All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out."
Hebrews 13:5
"Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,"
Monday, August 11, 2008
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Psalm 1:1
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Psalm 32:2
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 40:4
How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Psalm 84:5
How blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee;
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Psalm 84:12
O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!
Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man whom Thou dost chasten, O Lord,
And dost teach out of Thy law;
Psalm 112:1
Praise the Lord!
How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
Psalm 127:5
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Proverbs 3:13
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding.
Proverbs 8:34
"Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.
Proverbs 28:14
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Isaiah 56:2
"How blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who takes hold of it;
Who keeps from profaning the sabbath,
And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
Jeremiah 17:7
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
All of these passages of Scripture tell us one thing, that we who put our trust in the Lord are blessed. If you are a born again Christian, you are blessed.
Ephesians 1:3 tell us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Note that is say “with every spiritual blessing.” Not just with some of them, a few of them, but with “every” spiritual blessing in Christ.
If that is true, then why does if feel and look like we are not. We are blessed, whether we feel like it or not. But because the Word of God says we are, then we are. We just need to acknowledge them in our lives. We need to start speaking “blessing” and not “cursing” into our lives.
I read an article one time titled, “You are the Prophet of Your Life.” Your life is determined by the words you speak. Where you are today is a result of the words you have been speaking.
Do you want to change your circumstances, then change the words you are speaking. Start speaking the Word of God.
After reading the article, I began to realize that I have been my own worst enemy.
My words were creating my reality. So I have started and continued to change the words that I speak. It hasn’t been easy, but it takes discipline and determination to stay with it.
I spend a considerable amount of time in the morning speaking the Word of God. And I expect changes to start happening. In little ways is has, but I continue to work at it. I am more aware of what I am staying and I have to work at speaking words of blessing over people who irritate me. I can’t afford to let cursing come out of my mouth.
Not only that, but also I have been speaking words of blessing over my life and the lives of others.
In this series of teaching, we are going to be looking at some of the blessing God had blessed us with.
I have a book by Dr. Mike Murdock, titled, “The Blessing Bible.” In it he lists 58 specific blessings that we are blessed with. So little by little we are going to find out what God has blessed us with, and start speaking those blessings over our lives, and in the lives of others.
Before we get started, we are going to have to define “blessing.”
What does the word “blessing” mean?
The Hebrew word for “to bless” is “barak.”
It basically means “to kneel, bless, be blessed. It is interesting that the first time the word is used is in Genesis 1:28 when God blessed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The whole creation is shown to depend upon God for its continued existence and function. It is used a second time in Genesis 5:2 when God blessed Noah after the flood. The third time it is used is in Genesis 12:2-3 when God blesses Abram.
This repeated “blessing” on the nations is repeated in Genesis 18;18; 22:18 and 28:14.
In all these instances, God’s blessing goes out to the nations through Abraham or his seed. The covenant promise called nations to seek “the blessing (Isaiah 2:2-4), but made it plain that the initiative in blessing rests with God, and that Abraham and his seed were the instruments.
The noun form of “to bless,” “blessing” when expressed by men, was a wish or prayer for a blessing that is to come in the future. This is why the patriarchs blessed their children. This was very important to the children, especially the first born son.
It is speaking words over people and it had a powerful effect. Now you can see why Esau was so upset of being tricked out of his blessing as the first born.
In the Greek the word for “to bless” is “eulogeo.”
It means literally “to speak well of,” to “praise, to celebrate with praises” of that which is addressed to God.
It also means to “invoke blessing upon a person.”
What kind of effect do you think invoking a blessing upon a person will have?
It is powerful. It is powerful to know that God has invoked His blessing on us. We need to find out exactly what we have been blessed with in the following lessons.
As you begin to receive the lessons with the topics, begin to pray them over your life and in the lives of others. Thank the Lord for what He has blessed you with.
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
Psalm 32:2
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 40:4
How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust,
And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.
Psalm 84:5
How blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee;
In whose heart are the highways to Zion!
Psalm 84:12
O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!
Psalm 94:12
Blessed is the man whom Thou dost chasten, O Lord,
And dost teach out of Thy law;
Psalm 112:1
Praise the Lord!
How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.
Psalm 127:5
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Proverbs 3:13
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding.
Proverbs 8:34
"Blessed is the man who listens to me,
Watching daily at my gates,
Waiting at my doorposts.
Proverbs 28:14
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
Isaiah 56:2
"How blessed is the man who does this,
And the son of man who takes hold of it;
Who keeps from profaning the sabbath,
And keeps his hand from doing any evil."
Jeremiah 17:7
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
All of these passages of Scripture tell us one thing, that we who put our trust in the Lord are blessed. If you are a born again Christian, you are blessed.
Ephesians 1:3 tell us, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” Note that is say “with every spiritual blessing.” Not just with some of them, a few of them, but with “every” spiritual blessing in Christ.
If that is true, then why does if feel and look like we are not. We are blessed, whether we feel like it or not. But because the Word of God says we are, then we are. We just need to acknowledge them in our lives. We need to start speaking “blessing” and not “cursing” into our lives.
I read an article one time titled, “You are the Prophet of Your Life.” Your life is determined by the words you speak. Where you are today is a result of the words you have been speaking.
Do you want to change your circumstances, then change the words you are speaking. Start speaking the Word of God.
After reading the article, I began to realize that I have been my own worst enemy.
My words were creating my reality. So I have started and continued to change the words that I speak. It hasn’t been easy, but it takes discipline and determination to stay with it.
I spend a considerable amount of time in the morning speaking the Word of God. And I expect changes to start happening. In little ways is has, but I continue to work at it. I am more aware of what I am staying and I have to work at speaking words of blessing over people who irritate me. I can’t afford to let cursing come out of my mouth.
Not only that, but also I have been speaking words of blessing over my life and the lives of others.
In this series of teaching, we are going to be looking at some of the blessing God had blessed us with.
I have a book by Dr. Mike Murdock, titled, “The Blessing Bible.” In it he lists 58 specific blessings that we are blessed with. So little by little we are going to find out what God has blessed us with, and start speaking those blessings over our lives, and in the lives of others.
Before we get started, we are going to have to define “blessing.”
What does the word “blessing” mean?
The Hebrew word for “to bless” is “barak.”
It basically means “to kneel, bless, be blessed. It is interesting that the first time the word is used is in Genesis 1:28 when God blessed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The whole creation is shown to depend upon God for its continued existence and function. It is used a second time in Genesis 5:2 when God blessed Noah after the flood. The third time it is used is in Genesis 12:2-3 when God blesses Abram.
This repeated “blessing” on the nations is repeated in Genesis 18;18; 22:18 and 28:14.
In all these instances, God’s blessing goes out to the nations through Abraham or his seed. The covenant promise called nations to seek “the blessing (Isaiah 2:2-4), but made it plain that the initiative in blessing rests with God, and that Abraham and his seed were the instruments.
The noun form of “to bless,” “blessing” when expressed by men, was a wish or prayer for a blessing that is to come in the future. This is why the patriarchs blessed their children. This was very important to the children, especially the first born son.
It is speaking words over people and it had a powerful effect. Now you can see why Esau was so upset of being tricked out of his blessing as the first born.
In the Greek the word for “to bless” is “eulogeo.”
It means literally “to speak well of,” to “praise, to celebrate with praises” of that which is addressed to God.
It also means to “invoke blessing upon a person.”
What kind of effect do you think invoking a blessing upon a person will have?
It is powerful. It is powerful to know that God has invoked His blessing on us. We need to find out exactly what we have been blessed with in the following lessons.
As you begin to receive the lessons with the topics, begin to pray them over your life and in the lives of others. Thank the Lord for what He has blessed you with.
Monday, July 07, 2008
REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 23
REFLECTIONS ON PSALM 23
In a consumer –oriented society, it is extremely difficult to hear the simple but radical message of Psalm 23: GOD IS THE ONLY NECESSITY OF LIFE!
While verse 1 is translated “I shall not lack nothing,” the traditional translation preserved by the NIV and the NRSV is particularly appropriate in a culture that teaches people to want everything.
Driven by greed rather than need, we can hardly imagine having only the necessities of life: food, drink, and shelter and protection.
Clever advertisers have succeeded in convincing us that what former generations considered incredible luxuries are now basic necessities.
To say in our prosperous context that God is the only necessity of life sounds hopelessly quaint and naïve.
Then again, the words of Jesus also strike us as naïve: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear, but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25,33)
In effect, to make Psalm 23 our words is to affirm that we do not need to worry about our lives or our deaths.
God will provide, and God’s provision is grounded in the reality of God’s reign.
The proper response to simple good news of Psalm 23 and Jesus Christ is to trust God.
But this is precisely the rub.
In a secular society, we are encouraged to trust first ourselves and to work first to secure our own lives and futures.
Psalm 23 thus challenges us to affirm with the psalmist: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT.
To say that means to live humbly and gratefully as a child of God.
The third stanza of Isaac Watt’s beautiful metrical version of Psalm 23 expresses eloquently the simple truth that Psalm 23 communicates and commends to us:
The sure provisions of my God,
Attend me all my days,
O may Your House be my abode,
And all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled nest,
While others go and come,
No more a stranger or a guest,
But like a child at home.
Not only does Watts’s paraphrase capture the childlike trust articulated by Psalm 23, recalling Jesus’ words about entering the reign of God “like a little child.” (Mark 10:15), but also it calls to our attention the communal dimension of Psalm 23.
To be child at home means inevitably to be part of a family, to share community around a table.
Thus we are led to reflect on what it means to be apart of God’s household.
The implications are profound and radical: WE ARE NOT OUR OWN! WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER!
In his book “God the Economist,” M. Douglas Meeks recognizes the radical implications of Psalm 23.
He quotes Aubrey R. Johnson’s rendering of Psalm 23:6: “Yea, I shall be pursued in unfailing kindness everyday of my life, finding a home in the Household of Yahweh for many a long year.”
Because, as Psalm 23 affirms, God is the source of all food and drink and security, because we belong first and forever to God’s household, our lives are transformed.
Daily realities are not to be taken for granted and certainly not to be treated as rewards we have earned.
Psalm 23, like the Lord’s Supper, becomes finally an invitation to live under God’s rule and in solidarity with all God’s children.
Thus to make Psalm 23 our own is a profoundly radical affirmation of faith that transforms our lives and our world.
To be sure, Psalm 23 is to be heard in the midst of death and dying, but it is also to be heard amid the ordinary daily activities of living.
And it gives daily activities an extraordinary significance, for it invites us to share daily bread with all God’s people.
It is inevitable that Christians hear in Psalm 23 testimony to Jesus Christ.
Jesus became the gracious host who prepared a table that reconciles enemies and offers life.
NOTE: Mark 14:22-25. Interestingly, Mark 14:27 alludes to Zechariah 13:7, a passage about sheep and shepherds.
In a story with obvious eucharistic overtones, Jesus feeds people. (Mark 6:39)
The crowd is “to sit down on the green grass,’ a detail that recalls Psalm 23:2.
That the allusion is not coincidental is suggested by Mark’s description of Jesus’ motivation for having compassion on the crowd: “they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Mark 6:34)
Jesus serves as both host and shepherd, acting out the two metaphors of Psalm 23.
Jesus is cast even more clearly in the role of shepherd in John 10:17.
As in Psalm 23, the shepherd:
Leads the sheep (John 10:3)
Providing food (John 10:9)
Protection (John 10:12-13)
For the purpose of sustaining life itself (John 10:10)
And Jesus says specifically, “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)
Interesting too in John 10 is the enigmatic mention of “other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” (John 10:16)
Does this refer to Christians beyond the Johannine community?
Does this refer more broadly to adherents of other world religions?
The solution is unclear, but in the light of the communal conclusion of Psalm 23, especially in view of the conclusion of Psalm 22, where “all the ends of the earth” and “all the families of the nations” are to “turn to the Lord” and “worship Him.” (Psalm 22:27)
It is worthy of note that John 10 envisions God’s household in very open terms, with room perhaps for “enemies and even for “all the families of the nations.” (Psalm 23:5)(Psalm 22:27)
This thrust toward universality is present too in the relationship between Jesus and Psalm 23:4; “You are with me.”
According to Matthew, Jesus is to be named “Emmanuel, God is with us”
This affirmation provides a frame for the Gospel, the final words of which are “ I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
This final affirmation of Emanuel is in the context of Jesus’ commission to “make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
God intends for His household to include “the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 22:27)
In short, in New Testament terms, Jesus is the Shepherd, host, Emmanuel.
When Psalm 23 is heard in the context of Psalm 22 and of Jesus Christ, its profoundly radical implications are even clearer:
GOD IS WITH US, BUT GOD IS NOT OURS TO OWN. THE GOD WHO SHEPHERDS US TO LIFE ALSO GIVES LIFE TO THE WORLD; THE TABLE AT WHICH WE ARE HOSTED IS ONE TO WHICH THE WHOLE WORLD IS INVITED.
The Lord (Yahweh) is my Shepherd, therefore I shall not want for:
REST: He makes me lie down in green pastures.
REFRESHMENT: He leads me beside the quiet waters.
RESTORATION: He restores my soul
GUIDANCE: He leads me in the paths of righteousness.
COURAGE: I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
COMFORT: Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.
SUPPLY: You prepare a table before me.
PROTECTION: In the presence of my enemies.
POWER: You anoint my head with oil.
GOODNESS AND MERCY: My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the day of my life.
FOREVER: I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I SHALL NOT LACK
I shall not lack rest or provision. Why? “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
I shall not lack peace. Why? “He leads me besides the still water.”
I shall not lack restoration and encouragement when I faint; fail, or fall. Why? “He restores my soul.”
I shall not lack guidance and fellowship. Why? “He guides me in the paths of righteousness.”
I shall not lack courage when my way is dark. Why? “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.”
I shall not lack companionship. Why? “For You are with me.”
I shall not lack constant comfort. Why? “Your rod and staff, they comfort me.”
I shall not lack for protection and honor. Why? “You prepare at table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
I shall not lack power. Why? “You anoint my head with oil.”
I shall not lack abundance. Why? “My cup overflows.”
I shall not lack God’s perpetual presence. Why? “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
I shall not lack security. Why? “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
TRAITS OF GOD IN PSALM 23
In his book “The Names of God,” by Elmer Towns, it is interesting to note that there are other names of God throughout Psalm 23:
The Lord is my Shepherd (vs 1) JEHOVAH ROHI THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD (Psalm 23:1)
I shall not want (vs 1) JEHOVAL JIREH THE LORD WHO PROVIDES (Genesis 22:14)
He leads me beside still waters JEHOVAH SHALOM THE LORD OUR (vs 2) PEACE (Judges 6:24)
He restores my soul (vs 3) JEHOVAL ROPHE THE LORD OUR HEALER (Exodus 15:26)
He leads me in the paths JEHOVAH TSIDKENU THE LORD OUR of righteousness (vs 3) RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jeremiah 23:6)
I will fear no evil (vs 4) JEHOVAH NISSI THE LORD OUR BANNER (Exodus 17:15)
You are with me (vs 4) JEHOVAH SHAMMAH THE LORD IS THERE (Ezekiel 48:35)
You anoint my head with oil (vs 5) JEHOVAH MEDADDISHKEHN THE LORD
WHO SANCTIFIES (Exodus 31:13)
ARTICLES FROM “OUR DAILY BREAD” ON PSALM 23
April 19, 2007
The Peace-Of-Mind Game
READ: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. —Psalm 23:1
In her down-to-earth book More Than Sparrows, Mary Welch tells of her discussion about worry with a group of teenagers. Although they were Christians, they were as worried as unbelievers about the common things of life. As she lovingly listened to them, an unusual idea came to her for a game they could play. It went like this:
Instead of saying, “I’m worried,” stop and say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Then add, “So I’m worried to death!” The students laughed at the absurdity of the idea, but they all promised to play this new “peace-of-mind” game.
Later, Mary received a phone call from a young woman who had been paralyzed by worry over an exam she had been dreading to take. She said, “I must tell you how the game helped me trust God today. As I froze with worry, I remembered to say, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd . . . so I’m afraid I’ll fail!’ Suddenly I felt the strangest peace of mind. I laughed at myself, then I took the exam—and I passed!”
Saying “The Lord is my Shepherd, and I am worried to death” is more than a mind game to point out the absurdity of worry. God can use this contradiction to bring us to a fuller trust in Him.— Joanie Yoder
Why worry when you can pray?Trust Jesus, He’ll be your stay;Don’t be a “doubting Thomas,” rest fully on His promise.Why worry when you can pray? —Peterson© Renewal 1977 Singspiration, Inc.
Worry is the interest you pay on borrowed trouble.
November 9, 2004
Hope For Worriers
READ: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. —Psalm 23:1
Everyone worries occasionally, but I was once a "professional worrier." My daily preoccupation was mulling over my worries, one by one.
Then one day I had to face an uncomfortable medical test, and I was frantic with fear. Finally I decided that during the test I would focus on the first five words of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd." This exercise in meditation not only calmed me, but I gained several fresh insights. Later, as I slowly meditated through the entire psalm, the Lord gave me more insights.
Eventually I was able to share at conferences what the Lord had taught me.
If you're a worrier, there's hope for you too! Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, wrote: "When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate!"
The more we meditate on God's Word, the less we need to worry. In Psalm 23, David meditated on his great Shepherd instead of worrying. Later, God chose him to be the shepherd of His people (Psalm 78:70-72). God uses those who can honestly say, "The Lord is my shepherd."— Joanie Yoder
When fear and worry test your faithAnd anxious thoughts assail,Remember God is in controlAnd He will never fail. —Sper
The more we think about God's Word, the less we'll think about our worries.
March 4, 2006
Another Walk With Whitaker
READ: Psalm 23
He leads me. —Psalm 23:2
My dog Whitaker and I like to take early-morning walks through the woods. He runs ahead while I amble along, meditating or praying. I know where we’re going; he’s not sure. I stay on the trail and he trots ahead—sniffing, investigating, and taking occasional forays into the forest to chase real or imagined chipmunks.
Though Whit is ahead, I’m leading. Every so often he checks to see where I am. If I’ve turned back toward home or gone on to another trail, I hear his pounding feet and panting breath as he races to catch up with me. If I hide behind some brush, he runs to the last place he saw me and tracks me down. Then we walk the trail together again.
It’s like that with God’s leading. He knows the way because He has prepared the way. But sometimes we may not see Him—so we do our best to go where He wants by following the guidance of His Word. Other times it may seem as if He is hidden from us. His pace may not be as fast as we would like, or we wish He would slow down.
Just as Whitaker keeps looking back at me, we need to look to God and His Word at every important juncture we come to. We must rely on the direction of His Spirit.
That’s what I thought about today while I was walking with Whitaker.— David C. Egner
Lead me, if Thou wilt, dear Master,Where the whispering waters flow;Guide me through the soft green pastures,Let me all Thy goodness know. —Rae
If you want God to lead you, be willing to follow.
March 29, 2007
Noon
READ: Psalm 23
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. —Psalm 23:2
Our office is a busy place where things sometimes feel like they are moving at breakneck speed. This often involves meeting after meeting, hallway conferences, and an avalanche of e-mail.
In the midst of this extreme busyness, I sometimes feel the need to escape, to decompress. My response? To create a quiet place. On those days when I have no lunch meeting, I retreat to the quiet of my car. I grab some lunch and sit in my car, where I can read, listen to music, think, pray—and be refreshed.
I think this is the essence of what the shepherd-psalmist points to in Psalm 23:2. He sees the Good Shepherd bringing him to “still waters”—that is, waters to rest by. It pictures a quiet place, a retreat from the pressures of life, where you can rest in the presence of the Shepherd of your heart and be strengthened for what lies ahead. Even Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to pray and commune with His Father (Mark 1:35).
We all need retreats in our lives, not only because of the overwhelming nature of life, but because of our dependence on the resources of the Master. In our fast-paced days, it is essential to find a place of solitude, “a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God.” Where’s yours?— Bill Crowder
There is a place of quiet rest,Near to the heart of God,A place where sin cannot molest,Near to the heart of God. —McAfee
When we draw near to God our minds are refreshed and our strength is renewed!
May 30, 2003
Finding Rest
READ: Psalm 23
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. —Psalm 23:3
According to a survey conducted by an insurance company, one of every six workers in the US feels too busy to take all the vacation days he or she has earned. Even though studies show that a week's holiday each year can dramatically reduce stress and the risk of heart attack, many people just keep working.
A vacation can be good for body and soul. But many people don't have the luxury of time away from work and daily responsibilities. What can we do when we must remain in demanding circumstances?
Psalm 23 paints a beautiful word picture of a caring shepherd, secure sheep, and a tranquil scene of quiet meadows and still waters. But it is the Lord, our shepherd, who gives rest, not the green grass or the flowing stream. "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (v.3).
Rest is a place of peace that our spirits find in God. Neither the presence of those who oppose us nor the dark valley of death can keep us from what hymnwriter Cleland McAfee called "a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God." Through prayer and meditation on His Word, we can commune with Him. In the Lord's presence we can experience the rest and renewal we so desperately need.— David C. McCasland
There is a place of comfort sweet,Near to the heart of God, A place where we our Savior meet,Near to the heart of God. —McAfee
Spending quiet time with God will bring quiet rest from God.
April 6, 2004
Valley Of The Shadow
READ: Psalm 23
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. —Psalm 23:4
Darkness upon darkness. Sorrow upon sorrow. Pain upon pain. Anguish upon anguish. That's death.
Death is a fearful visitor, snatching away people who are precious to us and leaving us behind to mourn, grieve, and wonder. It blocks the light that before had shined so freely and easily on our lives.
Whether we're facing the prospect of dying, or dealing with the death of a loved one, death can be devastating. It can sap our energy, change our plans, overwhelm our soul, alter our outlook, test our faith, steal our joy, and challenge our assumptions about life's purposes.
When we walk through the deep valley, we feel swallowed up by the shadow and come face-to-face with fear. The frantic emptiness of our loss threatens the comfort that previously originated from our trust in God, and so we grow afraid. Afraid of our future. Afraid to enjoy life again.
Yet in that valley, under that shadow, we can say to the Lord, "I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). His loving arms never let us go. He is always with us.
Slowly at first, but most assuredly, He provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Eventually, we escape the valley of the shadow.— Dave Branon
We need not ponder death with fear,Though what's ahead we cannot see;For we who put our faith in ChristLook forward to eternity. —Sper
Death separates us for a time; Christ will reunite us forever.
August 15, 2001
'Here I Come'
READ: Psalm 23:1-6
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. --Psalm 23:4
When I was about 10 years old, I climbed a big pine tree in our yard. Grabbing the topmost branch, I pulled myself up to gain the highest vantage point possible. Suddenly the tip of the old pine snapped and I came plummeting down, landing flat on my back. The impact knocked the wind out of me. As I lay gasping for breath, I thought I was dying—but I wasn't alarmed. In fact, I can recall thinking, I'm going to heaven. Just before lapsing into unconsciousness, I said, "Father, here I come."
My dad was reading under a tree nearby and heard me come crashing down. Rushing over, he picked me up and carried me into the house. How surprised I was to open my eyes and find myself on the couch instead of in heaven!
That experience taught me at a young age that the Christian can have peace even in the valley of the shadow of death. For believers, "to be absent from the body" is "to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). As children of God, we can live each day with the assurance that come what may, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
If you know Christ as your Savior, you too can experience a wonderful peace—even when you are called to walk through the "valley of the shadow" (Psalm 23:4). — Richard De Haan
God holds our future in His handsAnd gives us every breath;Just knowing that He's by our sideAllays our fear of death. —Sper
If you live for eternity, you can die with serenity.
June 1, 2005
God Said That
READ: Psalm 23
You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. —Psalm 23:4
When 8-year-old Jacob visited his Grampa in the hospital, he came with his own custom-made "Get Well" card. It was an 81/2" x 11" piece of stiff white paper folded in half. On the front he had written, "Hope you feel better soon." On the inside, in large block letters, was this message:
I will be with youwherever you go.
There was no Scripture reference, so Jacob added these words: "God said that." He wanted to be sure I didn't expect him to be at my side during my entire hospital stay.
That added note conveyed an unintended and deeper truth that brought a smile to my face and comfort to my heart. A hospital can be a lonely place. It's a world of unfamiliar faces, first-time medical procedures, and uncertain diagnoses. But it's in just such a setting that God can quiet an anxious heart and give assurance that He'll go with you down every hall, through every new door, into any unknown future—yes, even through "the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4).
Maybe you have had an unexpected setback or loss. Your future is unknown. Trusting Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can be sure of this: He will go with you wherever you go. You can believe it. God said that! — Dennis J. De Haan
Whenever I feel that Christ is near,All cares and sorrows flee;He is my strength, my hope, my life,He's all in all to me. —Lewis
No danger can come so near the Christian that God is not nearer.
January 23, 1996
Dying Grace
READ: Psalm 23:1-6
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. --Psalm 23:4
Several years ago I read a pamphlet that quoted the dying words of various people who did not profess faith in Jesus Christ. The English atheist Thomas Hobbes said, "I am taking a fearful leap into the dark!" The French infidel Voltaire cried out, "I am abandoned by God and man; I shall go to hell!" Sir Francis Newport wailed in anguish, "Oh, eternity, eternity forever and forever! Oh, the unsufferable pangs of hell!"
What a sobering contrast to the last words of people who knew and loved Christ as their Lord and Savior. Dwight L. Moody said, "This is glorious! Earth recedes; heaven is opening; God is calling me!" Sir David Brewster declared, "I will see Jesus--see Him as He is. I have had the light for many years. Oh, how bright it is! I feel so safe, so satisfied!" And these words from a man being burned at the stake: "Blessed be the time that ever I was born for this day. We shall not lose our lives in this fire," he said to his fellow martyrs, "but only change them for something better."
Child of God, even if physical pain and heartache are a part of our closing days, the heavenly Father will give us dying grace. When we pass through that dark valley, we need not fear. The Great Shepherd will be with us. — Richard De Haan
Thy rod and staff shall cheer meIn death's dark vale and shade,For Thou wilt then be near me--I shall not be afraid. --Ewing
Those who truly fear God need not fear death.
April 18, 2001
Light Beyond The Valley
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. --Psalm 23:4
Death comes eventually to us all. Yet, for the Christian, the dark door of death is to be viewed as only a shadow. As frightening as death may appear, on the other side is the bright and shining gate that leads to life—eternity with Jesus!
Author William H. Ridgeway recalls that when he was a boy he and his friends would pick berries. After filling their baskets, they would wait beside a nearby railroad track. As the sun was sinking in the west, a train would come by and "run over them." Of course the iron monster with its thundering noise and screaming whistle didn't actually run over them at all. It was only the shadow that passed over them.
There they sat, knowing there was no danger but shivering in anticipation at the approaching locomotive and boxcars. As the train swept by them, they were in its shadow for just a few moments and then it was gone. The setting sun bathed them in a golden glow as they walked to the inviting warmth of home. What a wonderful illustration of what it means for the Christian to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4).
We need not fear the chilling shadow of death—for the Lord is with us (v.4), and we have a home with Him waiting for us just beyond (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). — Henry G. Bosch
Say not it's a dreadful journeyWhen the Savior leads the way;It's but passing through the shadowsTo the land of endless day! —Bosch
For the Christian, death is the last shadow before heaven's dawn.
December 16, 1998
Our Forever Home
READ: John 14:1-6
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. --Psalm 23:6
Night was falling and the weather deteriorating as I began the long drive home. The snow that had been falling lightly became heavier. Gale-force winds soon whipped it into a blinding curtain in front of my car. Only intense concentration and prayer kept me on the road.As the 21/2-hour drive stretched to 3, then 4, my muscles ached and my eyes burned. Never had home sounded so good!
When I finally walked though the doorway and collapsed in a chair, I felt great relief.
Sometimes our journey as followers of Christ is like that snowy drive. We struggle through long days of hard work and difficulty. When disappointment and sorrow come, our thoughts go to those wonderful passages of the Bible that describe our home in heaven. It heartens us to think of entering the Lord's presence where we will abide forever.
C. S. Lewis wrote a wonderful allegory called The Chronicles of Narnia in which he describes the unicorn's first glimpse of heaven. The unicorn exclaims, "I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I've been looking for all my life."
In a small way, that expresses how we will feel when we reach our forever home. — David C. Egner
To run life's grueling race, to win the lasting prize--To finally succeed in this endeavor--Look to the day you'll gaze into the Savior's eyesAnd understand you're home with Him forever. --Gustafson
Heaven's delights will far outweigh earth's difficulties.
RESOURCES:
Elmer Towns, “The Names of God”
Holman Bible Dictionary
Philip Yancy, “A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm”
Dr. Harold E. Jones, “The Ministry of the Twenty Third Psalm”
Discovery House Publishers, “The Lord is My Shepherd.”
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Verse 6: Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me All The Days Of My Life, And I Shall Dwell In The House Of The Lord Forever
Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me
Throughout the study of this Psalm continuous emphasis has been put upon the care exercised by the attentive shepherd. It has been stressed how essential to the welfare of the sheep is the rancher’s diligent effort and labor. All the benefits enjoyed by a flock under skilled and loving management have been drawn in bold lines.
Now, all of this is summed up here by the Psalmist in one brave but simple statement: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
SURELY
In the marginal notes of some translations, the word translated “surely” is “only.”
“Only” goodness and mercy shall follow me.”
Not “only” good and mercy shall follow, the literal translation of “follow is to “pursue and overtake.”
We can read it this way: Only goodness and mercy shall follow, pursue, and overtake me.
How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God’s favors. In verse 1 the said, “I shall not want;” but now he speaks more positively more comprehensively: “Surely (only) goodness and mercy shall follow me, pursue me and overtake me all the days of my life.
What’s following you?
GOODNESS
Psalm 25:7
“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me,
For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.” (NASB)
Psalm 31:19
“How great is Thy goodness,
Which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee,
Which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee,
Before the sons of men! “ (NASB)
Psalm 27:13
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.” (NASB)
Romans 2:4
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (NASB) Romans 2:4
What is the “goodness” of God?
In contrast to the Greek view of the “the good” as an ideal, the biblical concept focuses on concrete experiences of what God has done and is doing in the lives of His people.
Scripture affirms that God does good. (I Chronicles 16:34)(Psalm 119:68)
The goodness of God is experienced in the goodness of God’s creative work. (Genesis 1:31)
His goodness is also experienced in His saving acts:
The liberation of Israel from captivity. (Exodus 18:9)
The return of the remnant from captivity. (Ezra 7:9)
In personal deliverance. (Psalm 34:8)
In salvation. ((Philippians 1:6)
God’s goodness is extended to His:
Name (Psalm 52:9)
His promises (Joshua 21:45)
His commands (Psalm 119:39)
His gifts (James 1:17)
His providential shaping of events (Genesis 50:20)(Romans 8:28)
Jesus, when asked about being good, said that only God is good.
MERCY
In some translations, the word “lovingkindness” is used but it still expresses the word mercy.
Psalm 25:4-7
“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord;
Teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach me,
For Thou art the God of my salvation;
For Thee I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, Thy compassion and Thy lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me,
For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.” (NASB)
Isaiah 54:10
"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,"
Says the Lord who has compassion on you. (NASB)
Isaiah 14:1
“When the Lord will have compassion on Jacob, and again choose Israel, and settle them in their own land, then strangers will join them and attach themselves to the house of Jacob.” (NASB)
What is “mercy?”
Mercy is a personal characteristic of care for the needs of others. The biblical concept of mercy always involves help to those who are in need or distress. Such help covers a broad range, from assistance in finding a bride to God’s forgiveness of sins.
It is interesting in the story in the gospel of Luke that when the publican prayed, what did he say? “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”
A wide vocabulary is employed in the original languages to express these concepts, and an even wider vocabulary is found in English translations.
There are three main Hebrew root words that involve the idea of mercy.
The first one is “racham/rachamim/” This word family consistently has the meaning of compassion, or showing mercy, or pity.
Related to the word for womb, it may have the connotation of a mother’s affection or of the bond between siblings. This sense of a mother’s compassion for her child is found in 1 Kings 3:26, and a similar expression describes Joseph’s feeling for his brothers in Genesis 43:30.
Likewise, God’s mercy is often likened to family relationships:
As a father to this children (Jeremiah 31:20)(Psalm 103:13)
A husband to a wife (Isaiah 54:6-8)(Hosea 2:19)
A brother to a brother (Amos 1:11)
Even as a mother toward a nursing child (Isaiah 49:15)
God’s mercy is bound up with His covenant with Israel. He is merciful to them because He chose them. (Exodus 33:19)(2 Kings 13:23)
God’s mercy is never just a feeling but is expressed by His action:
Providing for Israel in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9:19)(Isaiah 49:10)
Delivering Israel from enemies (Psalm 69:16-21)((Psalm 79:8-11)
When Israel turned from God, He showed no pity (Isaiah 9:17)(Jeremiah 13:14)
On the other hand He is a forgiving God and shows mercy to a penitent people (Psalm 25: 4-7)(Lamentations 3:31-33)
He is merciful in restoring the nation (Psalm 102:13)(Ezekiel 39:25)
He is merciful in renewing His friendship with them (Hosea 2:19, 23)
God’s mercy is the very source of His people’s life (Psalm 103:4((Psalm 119:77, 156)
The second Hebrew word for mercy is “hesed.” It is used to describe a variety of human relationships:
A husband and a wife (Genesis 24: 49)
Father and son (Genesis 47:29)
Host and guest (Rahab and the spies; Joshua 2:12-14)
Friends like David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:8, 14-17)
A King and his subjects (2 Samuel 2:5)
Also like “racham,” it expresses itself in action:
Rahab delivered the spies
Jonathan protected David from Saul.
The relationship is always reciprocal. One who experiences the “hesed” of another is to reciprocate when the opportunity presents itself. Thus, the spies promised protection for Rahab, and David pledged to protect the house of Jonathan.
An element of covenantal fidelity was involved. An element of mercy was involved. Each sought to meet the other’s need. Since one can scarcely meet a need of God, this covenantal aspect of mercy was expressed in God’s requirement to show mercy to others. This was often coupled with a command for justice. (Micah 6:8; compare with Hosea 12:6; Zechariah 7:9)
God expects His people to show “hesed” to one another because He shows “hesed” to them, to individuals such as:
Abraham (Genesis 24:12)
Jacob (Genesis 32:10)
David (2 Samuel 7:15)
Job (Job 10:12)
Above all, He was merciful to His chosen people Israel. (Exodus 15:13)(Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)
The linkage of God’s covenant and His “hesed” is explicit in such phrases as “keeping covenant and showing “hesed.” (1 Kings 8:23)(Deuteronomy 7:9)
A final characteristic of God’s “hesed” is its permanence. (Psalm 25:6)((Psalm 103:17)
This is the Hebrew word used for mercy in Psalm 23:6.
This is often expressed in the set phrase, “for the Lord is good, His mercy (hesed) is everlasting” or “his mercy endureth forever.” (Psalm 100:5)(Ezra 3:11)
The third Hebrew word family involving mercy and pity is “chanan/chen.”
Job used it in appealing for pity and with it the psalmist described one who is generous to the poor. (Job 19:21)(Psalm 37:21; 112:5; compare with Proverbs 14:21-23; 19:17)
The latter examples show how “chanan” involves not only pity but also being gracious. It is in this sense that the word is applied to God, referring to His gracious and generous nature.
It is difficult to draw precise distinction between the various words used in the Old Testament for God’s mercy and grace. All three of the Hebrew words refer to the one gracious, forgiving, loving God who is forever faithful in reaching out to His people in their need.
Nowhere is their interrelatedness more evident than in the recurrent Old Testament liturgy which combines all three:
“God is merciful, (racham) and gracious (chana), slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (hesed) and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)(Numbers 14:18)(Nehemiah 9:17)(Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8)(Joel 2:13)(Jonah 4:2)
In the New Testament there are three word families that express the idea of mercy.
The first one is “splagchna,” which literally refers to the upper human organ, the heart, liver, and lungs. This usage appears in the grim depiction of Judas’ death in Acts 1:18.
Much like the Hebrew “rachamim,” “splagcha” developed the derived sense of strong emotional feeling, particularly of compassion and affection.
The word is often used of Jesus’ compassion:
For the multitudes (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32)
For the blind (Matthew 20:34)
For a leper (Mark 1:41)
For a possessed child ((Mark 9:20)
For a widow’s plight (Luke 7:13)
His parables use the term to describe:
The mercy of master on his indebted servant. (Matthew 18:27)
The compassion of a father for his prodigal son (Luke 15:20)
A Samaritan’s pity for a wounded Jew. (Luke 10:33)
With this word Paul urged the Corinthians to renew their affection for him and exhorted the Philippians to mutual love and concern, and played on the sympathy of Philemon. (2 Corinthians 6:12)(Philippians 2:1-2)(Philemon7, 12, 20)
With it, John reminded his readers that one who closes his heart to a brother’s need scarcely has God’s love. (1 John 3:17)
The second word used is “oikirmos” which also means “pity, mercy, compassion” and it is used together with “splagchna” in Colossians 3:12, Philippians 2:1, and James 5:11
It can be used negatively as in Hebrews 10:28 where it describes the merciless justice of the Law. Paul pointed to the positive side of God as “the Father of mercies,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) and he urged the Romans to sacrificial service based on God’s mercy. (Romans 12:1)
Christian mercy is rooted in God’s mercy, a principle already given by Jesus. (Luke 6:36)
The third word is “eleos.” It is the most common word in the New Testament for mercy. In secular Greek, the word was often viewed as a sign of weakness, a sentimental inclination to be overly lenient. The New Testament does not share in this assessment, having more in common with the Old Testament perspective on God’s mercy.
To be sure, the negative aspect appears. Drawing on Exodus 33:19, Paul showed how God in His sovereign purposes can withdraw His mercies. (Romans 9:15-16, 18, 23)
The total New Testament picture is much brighter. Jesus brought the good news of a merciful, forgiving God. He embodied that good news in Himself, and everywhere cries and expectation for mercy met him:
From two blind men (Matthew 9:27)
A woman with a possessed daughter (Matthew 15:22)
The father of an epileptic boy (Matthew 17:15)
Ten lepers (Luke 17:13)
It can be used negatively as in Hebrews 10:28 where it describes the merciless justice of the Law. Paul pointed to the positive side of God as “the Father of mercies,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) and he urged the Romans to sacrificial service based on God’s mercy. (Romans 12:1)
Christian mercy is rooted in God’s mercy, a principle already given by Jesus. (Luke 6:36)
The third word is “eleos.” It is the most common word in the New Testament for mercy. In secular Greek, the word was often viewed as a sign of weakness, a sentimental inclination to be overly lenient. The New Testament does not share in this assessment, having more in common with the Old Testament perspective on God’s mercy.
To be sure, the negative aspect appears. Drawing on Exodus 33:19, Paul showed how God in His sovereign purposes can withdraw His mercies. (Romans 9:15-16, 18, 23)
The total New Testament picture is much brighter. Jesus brought the good news of a merciful, forgiving God. He embodied that good news in Himself, and everywhere cries and expectation for mercy met him:
From two blind men (Matthew 9:27)
A woman with a possessed daughter (Matthew 15:22)
The father of an epileptic boy (Matthew 17:15)
Ten lepers (Luke 17:13)
In this life the mercy of God is always available for those who approach His throne. (Hebrews 4:16)
The Christian life is lived under this assurance of God’s mercy. This is why mercy is often an element in New Testament greeting and benedictions. (1 timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Galatians 6:16; 2 John 3; Jude 2)
Those who experience God’s mercy are themselves to be merciful. God not desire the external trappings of religiosity but deeds of mercy to others. (Matthew 9:13; 12:7; 23; 23)
One who shows no mercy to others cannot expect God’s mercy. (Matthew 18:33-34)(James 2:13)
Mercy is a mark of discipleship. (Matthew 5:7)
Disciples show deeds of mercy to a neighbor and perform them cheerfully. (Luke 10:36-37)(Romans 12:8)
God is mercy, and one who shares in God’s wisdom shares His mercy. (James 3:17)
As with the Old Testament, the New Testament treatment of God’s mercy cannot be separated from His love, His grace, and His faithfulness. They are all part of the same fabric.
The difference, of course, is that the New Testament writers had come to see the mercy of God in a much brighter light in the face of Jesus Christ.
He was, and still is, the ultimate manifestation of God’s mercy, the assurance of that mercy for believers, and the basis of their own mercy in the relationships with others.
Wow! Is that what is following you all the days of your life?
Observe:
WHAT HE PROMISES HIMSELF:
Goodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy.
THE MANNER OF THE CONVEYANCE:
It shall follow me, as the water out of the rock followed the camp of Israel through the wilderness; it shall follow into all places and all conditions, shall be always ready.
THE CONTINUANCE OF IT:
It shall follow me all my life long even to the last; for whom God loves He loves to the end.
THE CONSTANCY OF IT:
All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes it shall be new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily.
THE CERTAINTY OF IT:
Surely it shall.
It is as sure as the promise of God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed.
Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state.
So some take the latter clause: “Goodness and mercy having followed me all the days of my life on this earth, when it is ended I shall remove to a better world, to dwell in the house of the lord forever, in our Father’s house above, where there are many mansions.”
With what I have I am pleased much; with what I hope for I am pleased more.”
All this and heaven too! We serve a good Master.
The sheep with such a shepherd knows of a surety that this is a privileged position. No matter what comes, at least and always he can be perfectly sure that goodness and mercy will be in the picture. He reassures himself that he is ever under sound, sympathetic, intelligent ownership.
What more need he care about?
Goodness and mercy will the treatment he receives from his masters’ expert, loving hands. Not only is this a bold statement, but it is somewhat of a boast, an exclamation of implicit confidence in the One who controls his career and destiny.
How many Christians actually feel this way about Christ?
How many of us are truly concerned that no matter what occurs in our lives we are being followed by goodness and mercy?
Of course it is very simple to speak this way when things are going well. If my health is excellent; my income flourishing; my family is well; and my friends are fond of me it is not hard to say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
But what about when one’s body breaks down?
What do I say when I stand by helpless, as I have had to do, and watch a life partner die by degrees under appalling pain?
What is my reaction when my job folds up and there is no money to meet bills?
What happens if my children can’t make their grades in school or get caught running with the wrong gang?
What do I say when suddenly, without good grounds, friends prove false and turn against me?
These are the sort of times that test a person’s confidence in the care of Christ. These are the occasions during which the chips are down and life is more that a list of pious platitudes.
When my little world is falling apart and the dream castles of my ambitions and hopes crumble into ruins can I honestly declare: “Surely, yes, surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”?
Or is this sheer humbug and a maddening mockery?
In looking back over your own life, can you see His compassion and concern for you in His management of your affairs?
Were there events which at the time seemed like utter calamities?
Were there paths which He led you that appeared like blind alleys?
Were there days He took you through that seemed black as night itself?
But all in the end turned out for your benefit and your well being. With our limited understanding as finite human beings we can not always comprehend His management executed in infinite wisdom. With our natural tendencies to fear, worry and ask “why”, it is not always simple to assume that He really does know what He is doing with us.
Were there times you were tempted to bolt and to leave His care?
Did you have this strange notion that you could survive better on your own?
Despite our perverse behavior, aren’t you glad He did not give up on you?
Are you grateful He did follow us in goodness and mercy?
The only possible motivation was His own love, His care and concern for me as one of His sheep. Despite our doubts and misgivings about His management of our affairs, He has picked us up and borne you back again in great tenderness. The one who is truly in Christ’s care, no difficulty can arise, no dilemma emerge, no deeming disaster descend on the life without eventual good coming out of the chaos. This is to see the goodness and mercy of my Master in my life.
It is the great foundation of faith and confidence in Him.
I love Him because He first loved me. (I John 4:19)
His goodness and mercy and compassion to me are new every day.
My assurance is lodged in these aspects of His character.
My trust is in His love for me as His own.
My serenity has at its basis an implicit, unshakable reliance on His ability to do the right thing, the best thing in any given situation.
This is the supreme portrait of my Shepherd.
Continually there flows out to me His goodness and His mercy, which, even though I do not deserve them, come unremittingly from their source of supply, His own great heart of love. Herein is the essence of all that has gone before in this Psalm.
All the care, all the work, all the alert watchfulness, all the skill, all the concern, all the self-sacrifice are born of His love, the love of One who loves His sheep, loves His work, loves His role as a Shepherd.
“I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:10)
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” (I John 3:16)
With all this in view it is then proper to ask: “Is this outflow of goodness and mercy for me to stop and stagnate in my life?”
“Is there not a way in which it can pass on through me to benefit others?”
Yes, there is a way.
And this aspect is one which eludes many of us.
There is a positive, practical aspect in which my life in turn should be one whereby goodness and mercy follow in my footsteps for the well being of others. Just as God’s goodness and mercy flow to me all the days of my life, so goodness and mercy should follow me, should be left behind me, as a legacy to others, wherever I go.
Sheep can, under mismanagement, be the most destructive livestock. In short order they can ruin and ravage land almost beyond remedy. But in bold contrast they can be the most beneficial of all livestock is properly managed:
Their manure is the best balanced of any produced by domestic stock.
When scattered efficiently over the pastures it proves of enormous benefit to the soil.
The sheep’s habit of seeking the highest rise of ground on which to rest insures that the fertility from the rich low land is re-deposited on the less productive higher ground.
No other livestock consumes a s wide a variety of herbage.
Sheep eat all sorts of weeds and other undesirable plants which might otherwise invade a field.
In a few years a flock of well-managed sheep will clean up and restore a piece of ravaged land as no other creature can do.
In other words, goodness and mercy had followed the sheep. They left behind something worthwhile, productive, beautiful and beneficial to both themselves and others.
Where they had walked there followed fertility and weed-free land.
Where they had lived there remained beauty and abundance.
The question now comes to me pointedly; “Is this true of my life?”
Do I leave a blessing and benediction behind me?
Is this the way people feel about me, that I left behind a blessing?
Do I leave a trail of sadness or of gladness behind?
Is my memory, in other people’s minds, entwined with mercy and goodness, or would they rather forget me altogether?
Do I deposit a blessing behind me or am I a bane to others?
Is my life a pleasure to people or a pain?
Sir Alfred Tennyson wrote in one of his great classic poems, “The good men do lives after them.”
Sometimes it is profitable to ask ourselves such simple questions as:
Do I leave behind peace in lives, or turmoil?
Do I leave behind forgiveness, or bitterness?
Do I leave behind contentment, or conflict?
Do I leave behind flowers of joy, or frustration?
Do I leave behind love, or rancor?
Some people leave such a sorry mess behind them wherever the go that they prefer to cover their tracks.
For the true child of God, the one under the Shepherd’s care, there should never be any sense of shame or fear in going back to where they lived or been before.
Why?
Because there they have left a legacy of uplift, encouragement and inspiration to others.
The life of Jesus Christ can be summed up in the simple, verse, but deeply profound statement; “He went about, doing good!”
His good and kindly acts were always co-mingled with mercy. Where so often other human beings were rude and harsh and vindictive of one another, His compassion and tenderness was always apparent. Even the most flagrant sinners found forgiveness with Him, whereas at the hands of their fellow me they knew only condemnation, censure, and cruel criticism.
Is this my attitude to other people?
Do I sit up on my pedestal of self-pride and look with contempt upon my contemporaries, or do I get down and identify myself with them in their dilemma and there extend a small measure of the goodness and mercy given to me by my Master?
Do I see sinners with the compassion of Christ or with the critical eye of censure?
Am I willing to overlook faults and weaknesses in others and extend forgiveness as God has forgiven me in my failings?
The only real, practical measure of my appreciation for the goodness and mercy of God to me is the extent to which I am, in turn, prepared to show goodness and mercy to others.
If I am unable to forgive and extend friendship to fallen men and women, then it is quite certain I know little or nothing in a practical sense of Christ’s forgiveness and mercy to me.
It is this lack of love amongst Christians, which today makes the church an insipid, lukewarm institution. People come to find affection and are turned off by our tepidity.
But the man or woman who knows firsthand about the goodness and mercy of God in his life, will be warm and affectionate with goodness and mercy to others.
This is to be a benefit to them, but equally important, it is to be a blessing to God.
Yes, a blessing to God!
Most of us think only God can bring a blessing to us.
The Christian life is a two-way proposition.
Most of us forget that our Shepherd is looking for some satisfaction.
This is the benefit we can bring to Him.
He looks upon my life in tenderness for He loves me deeply.
He sees the long years during which His goodness and mercy followed me without slackening.
He longs to see some measure of that same goodness and mercy not only passed on to others by me but also passed back to Him in joy.
He longs for love, my love.
And I love Him, only because He first loved me.
Then He is satisfied.
All the Days of My Life
It is interesting to note that the psalmist said “all” the days of my life.
Not some days when things are going right. Not most of the time. Not only on Fridays.
Not almost all the time.
David, after being anointed by Samuel, spent a good part of his life running from Saul who wanted to kill him. He was chased, hunted like an animal, and wondered aloud in the other Psalms what was going on. But wherever he went, goodness and mercy were following him, pursuing him and overtaking him.
Did David feel like goodness and mercy were following him when his son Absalom took over the throne and David had to flee? It may not seem like it, but they were.
No matter what Bible dictionary you use, the word translated “all” means “all.”
I Shall Dwell In The House Of the Lord Forever
This Psalm opened with the proud, joyous statement; “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Here is a sheep so utterly satisfied with its lot in life, so fully contented with the care it receives, so much “at home” with the shepherd that here is not s shred of desire for change. Stated in simple, direct, rather rough ranch language it would be put like this, “Nothing will ever make me leave this outfit, it’s great!”
Conversely on the shepherd’s side there has developed a great affection and devotions to his flock. He would never think of parting with such sheep. Healthy, contented, productive sheep are his delight and profit. So strong, now, are the bonds between them that it is in very truth, forever.
The word “house” used here in the Psalm has a wider meaning than most people could attach to it. Normally we speak of the house of the Lord as the sanctuary or church or meeting place of God’s people. In one sense David may have had this in mind. And, of course, it is pleasant to think that one would always delight to be found in the Lord’s house.
But it must be kept in mind always, that the Psalmist, writing from the standpoint of a sheep, is reflecting on the recounting the full round of the year’s activities for the flock.
Actually what is referred to by “house” is the family of household or flock of the Good Shepherd.
The sheep is so deeply satisfied with the flock to which it belongs, with the ownership of this particular shepherd that it has no wish to change whatever. It is as if it had finally come home again and was now standing at the fence, bragging to its less fortunate neighbors on the other side. It boasts about the wonderful year it has had and its complete confidence in its owner.
Sometimes I feel we Christians should be much more like this. We should be proud to belong to Christ.
Why shouldn’t we feel free to boast to others of how good our Shepherd is?
How glad we should be to look back and recall all the amazing ways in which He has provided for our welfare.
We should delight to describe, in detail, the hard experiences through which He has brought us.
We should be eager and quick to tell of our confidence in Christ. We should be bold to state fearlessly that we are so glad we are His. By the contentment and serenity of our lives we should show what a distinct advantage it is to be a member of His “household,” of His flock.
What a comparison to the sheep who are not well cared for. Like wise with those apart from Christ. The world is a pretty wretched ranch and Satan is a heartless owner. He cares not a wit for men’s souls or welfare. Under his tyranny there are hundreds of hungry, discontented hearts who long to enter in the household of God, who ache for His care and concern.
Yet there is only one way into this fold. That way is through the owner, Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd.
He boldly declared, “ I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Every day we are literally rubbing shoulders with men and women “on the other side of the fence.”
What is my impact on them?
Is my life so serene, so satisfying, so radiant because I walk and talk and live with God, that they become envious?
Do they see in me the benefits of being under Christ’s control?
So they see something of Him reflected in my conduct and character?
Does my life and conversation lead them to Him, and thus into life everlasting?
If so, then I may be sure some of them will also long to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. And there is no reason why this cannot happen if they come under His proper ownership.
There is one other beautiful and final sense in which the psalmist was speaking as a sheep. It is brought out in the Amplified Old Testament where the meaning of the last phrase is; ”I will dwell in the ‘presence’ of the Lord forever.”
It is probable the most significance sentiment that David had in his heart as he ended this hymn of praise to the Lord. Not only do we get the idea of an ever present Shepherd on the scene, but also the concept that the sheep wants to be in full view of his owner at all times.
This theme has run all through our study of this Psalm.
It is the alertness, the awareness, the diligence of a never tiring master which alone assures the sheep of excellent care. And from the sheep’s standpoint it is knowing that the shepherd is there; it is the constant awareness of this presence nearby that automatically eliminates most of the difficulties and dangers while at the same time providing a sense of security and serenity.
It is the sheep’s owner’s presence that guarantees there:
Will be abundant green pastures.
Will be still, clean waters.
New paths into fresh fields.
Safe summers on the high tablelands.
Freedom from fear.
Antidotes for flies and disease and parasites.
Quietness and contentment.
In our Christian lives and experience precisely the same idea and principles applies.
For when all is said and done on the subject of a successful Christian walk, it can be summed up in one sentence: “Live ever aware of God’s presence.”
There is the “ inner” consciousness, which can be very distinct and very real, of Christ’s presence in my life, made evident by His gracious Holy Spirit. It is He who speaks to us in distinct and definite ways about our behavior. For our part is a case of being sensitive and responsive to that inner voice.
There can be a habitual awareness of Christ within me, empowering me to live a noble and richly rewarding life in cooperation with Him. As I respond to Him and move in harmony with His wishes, I discover life becomes satisfying and worthwhile. It acquires great serenity and is made an exciting adventure of fulfillment as I progress in it. This is made possible as I allow His gracious Spirit to control, manage and direct my daily decisions.
I should deliberately ask for His direction even in minute details. Then there is the wider but equally thrilling awareness of God all around me. I live surrounded by His presence.
I am an open person, open individual, and living life open to His scrutiny.
He is conscious of every circumstance I encounter.
He attends me with care and concern because I belong to Him.
And this will continue through eternity.
What an assurance!
I shall dwell in the presence (in the care of) the Lord, YAHWEH, forever.
CONCLUSION
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”
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 of 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, YAHWEH and the singer, save where enemies are referred to.
The personal note is immediately struck, “YAHWEH is my Shepherd!” This eternal King, ruling over all the 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 wonder phrase of Paul, “The good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
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.”
Surely Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow Me
Throughout the study of this Psalm continuous emphasis has been put upon the care exercised by the attentive shepherd. It has been stressed how essential to the welfare of the sheep is the rancher’s diligent effort and labor. All the benefits enjoyed by a flock under skilled and loving management have been drawn in bold lines.
Now, all of this is summed up here by the Psalmist in one brave but simple statement: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
SURELY
In the marginal notes of some translations, the word translated “surely” is “only.”
“Only” goodness and mercy shall follow me.”
Not “only” good and mercy shall follow, the literal translation of “follow is to “pursue and overtake.”
We can read it this way: Only goodness and mercy shall follow, pursue, and overtake me.
How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God’s favors. In verse 1 the said, “I shall not want;” but now he speaks more positively more comprehensively: “Surely (only) goodness and mercy shall follow me, pursue me and overtake me all the days of my life.
What’s following you?
GOODNESS
Psalm 25:7
“Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me,
For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.” (NASB)
Psalm 31:19
“How great is Thy goodness,
Which Thou hast stored up for those who fear Thee,
Which Thou hast wrought for those who take refuge in Thee,
Before the sons of men! “ (NASB)
Psalm 27:13
“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.” (NASB)
Romans 2:4
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (NASB) Romans 2:4
What is the “goodness” of God?
In contrast to the Greek view of the “the good” as an ideal, the biblical concept focuses on concrete experiences of what God has done and is doing in the lives of His people.
Scripture affirms that God does good. (I Chronicles 16:34)(Psalm 119:68)
The goodness of God is experienced in the goodness of God’s creative work. (Genesis 1:31)
His goodness is also experienced in His saving acts:
The liberation of Israel from captivity. (Exodus 18:9)
The return of the remnant from captivity. (Ezra 7:9)
In personal deliverance. (Psalm 34:8)
In salvation. ((Philippians 1:6)
God’s goodness is extended to His:
Name (Psalm 52:9)
His promises (Joshua 21:45)
His commands (Psalm 119:39)
His gifts (James 1:17)
His providential shaping of events (Genesis 50:20)(Romans 8:28)
Jesus, when asked about being good, said that only God is good.
MERCY
In some translations, the word “lovingkindness” is used but it still expresses the word mercy.
Psalm 25:4-7
“Make me know Thy ways, O Lord;
Teach me Thy paths.
Lead me in Thy truth and teach me,
For Thou art the God of my salvation;
For Thee I wait all the day.
Remember, O Lord, Thy compassion and Thy lovingkindnesses,
For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
According to Thy lovingkindness remember Thou me,
For Thy goodness' sake, O Lord.” (NASB)
Isaiah 54:10
"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake,
But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,
And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,"
Says the Lord who has compassion on you. (NASB)
Isaiah 14:1
“When the Lord will have compassion on Jacob, and again choose Israel, and settle them in their own land, then strangers will join them and attach themselves to the house of Jacob.” (NASB)
What is “mercy?”
Mercy is a personal characteristic of care for the needs of others. The biblical concept of mercy always involves help to those who are in need or distress. Such help covers a broad range, from assistance in finding a bride to God’s forgiveness of sins.
It is interesting in the story in the gospel of Luke that when the publican prayed, what did he say? “Be merciful to me, a sinner.”
A wide vocabulary is employed in the original languages to express these concepts, and an even wider vocabulary is found in English translations.
There are three main Hebrew root words that involve the idea of mercy.
The first one is “racham/rachamim/” This word family consistently has the meaning of compassion, or showing mercy, or pity.
Related to the word for womb, it may have the connotation of a mother’s affection or of the bond between siblings. This sense of a mother’s compassion for her child is found in 1 Kings 3:26, and a similar expression describes Joseph’s feeling for his brothers in Genesis 43:30.
Likewise, God’s mercy is often likened to family relationships:
As a father to this children (Jeremiah 31:20)(Psalm 103:13)
A husband to a wife (Isaiah 54:6-8)(Hosea 2:19)
A brother to a brother (Amos 1:11)
Even as a mother toward a nursing child (Isaiah 49:15)
God’s mercy is bound up with His covenant with Israel. He is merciful to them because He chose them. (Exodus 33:19)(2 Kings 13:23)
God’s mercy is never just a feeling but is expressed by His action:
Providing for Israel in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9:19)(Isaiah 49:10)
Delivering Israel from enemies (Psalm 69:16-21)((Psalm 79:8-11)
When Israel turned from God, He showed no pity (Isaiah 9:17)(Jeremiah 13:14)
On the other hand He is a forgiving God and shows mercy to a penitent people (Psalm 25: 4-7)(Lamentations 3:31-33)
He is merciful in restoring the nation (Psalm 102:13)(Ezekiel 39:25)
He is merciful in renewing His friendship with them (Hosea 2:19, 23)
God’s mercy is the very source of His people’s life (Psalm 103:4((Psalm 119:77, 156)
The second Hebrew word for mercy is “hesed.” It is used to describe a variety of human relationships:
A husband and a wife (Genesis 24: 49)
Father and son (Genesis 47:29)
Host and guest (Rahab and the spies; Joshua 2:12-14)
Friends like David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:8, 14-17)
A King and his subjects (2 Samuel 2:5)
Also like “racham,” it expresses itself in action:
Rahab delivered the spies
Jonathan protected David from Saul.
The relationship is always reciprocal. One who experiences the “hesed” of another is to reciprocate when the opportunity presents itself. Thus, the spies promised protection for Rahab, and David pledged to protect the house of Jonathan.
An element of covenantal fidelity was involved. An element of mercy was involved. Each sought to meet the other’s need. Since one can scarcely meet a need of God, this covenantal aspect of mercy was expressed in God’s requirement to show mercy to others. This was often coupled with a command for justice. (Micah 6:8; compare with Hosea 12:6; Zechariah 7:9)
God expects His people to show “hesed” to one another because He shows “hesed” to them, to individuals such as:
Abraham (Genesis 24:12)
Jacob (Genesis 32:10)
David (2 Samuel 7:15)
Job (Job 10:12)
Above all, He was merciful to His chosen people Israel. (Exodus 15:13)(Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)
The linkage of God’s covenant and His “hesed” is explicit in such phrases as “keeping covenant and showing “hesed.” (1 Kings 8:23)(Deuteronomy 7:9)
A final characteristic of God’s “hesed” is its permanence. (Psalm 25:6)((Psalm 103:17)
This is the Hebrew word used for mercy in Psalm 23:6.
This is often expressed in the set phrase, “for the Lord is good, His mercy (hesed) is everlasting” or “his mercy endureth forever.” (Psalm 100:5)(Ezra 3:11)
The third Hebrew word family involving mercy and pity is “chanan/chen.”
Job used it in appealing for pity and with it the psalmist described one who is generous to the poor. (Job 19:21)(Psalm 37:21; 112:5; compare with Proverbs 14:21-23; 19:17)
The latter examples show how “chanan” involves not only pity but also being gracious. It is in this sense that the word is applied to God, referring to His gracious and generous nature.
It is difficult to draw precise distinction between the various words used in the Old Testament for God’s mercy and grace. All three of the Hebrew words refer to the one gracious, forgiving, loving God who is forever faithful in reaching out to His people in their need.
Nowhere is their interrelatedness more evident than in the recurrent Old Testament liturgy which combines all three:
“God is merciful, (racham) and gracious (chana), slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (hesed) and faithfulness.” (Exodus 34:6)(Numbers 14:18)(Nehemiah 9:17)(Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8)(Joel 2:13)(Jonah 4:2)
In the New Testament there are three word families that express the idea of mercy.
The first one is “splagchna,” which literally refers to the upper human organ, the heart, liver, and lungs. This usage appears in the grim depiction of Judas’ death in Acts 1:18.
Much like the Hebrew “rachamim,” “splagcha” developed the derived sense of strong emotional feeling, particularly of compassion and affection.
The word is often used of Jesus’ compassion:
For the multitudes (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32)
For the blind (Matthew 20:34)
For a leper (Mark 1:41)
For a possessed child ((Mark 9:20)
For a widow’s plight (Luke 7:13)
His parables use the term to describe:
The mercy of master on his indebted servant. (Matthew 18:27)
The compassion of a father for his prodigal son (Luke 15:20)
A Samaritan’s pity for a wounded Jew. (Luke 10:33)
With this word Paul urged the Corinthians to renew their affection for him and exhorted the Philippians to mutual love and concern, and played on the sympathy of Philemon. (2 Corinthians 6:12)(Philippians 2:1-2)(Philemon7, 12, 20)
With it, John reminded his readers that one who closes his heart to a brother’s need scarcely has God’s love. (1 John 3:17)
The second word used is “oikirmos” which also means “pity, mercy, compassion” and it is used together with “splagchna” in Colossians 3:12, Philippians 2:1, and James 5:11
It can be used negatively as in Hebrews 10:28 where it describes the merciless justice of the Law. Paul pointed to the positive side of God as “the Father of mercies,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) and he urged the Romans to sacrificial service based on God’s mercy. (Romans 12:1)
Christian mercy is rooted in God’s mercy, a principle already given by Jesus. (Luke 6:36)
The third word is “eleos.” It is the most common word in the New Testament for mercy. In secular Greek, the word was often viewed as a sign of weakness, a sentimental inclination to be overly lenient. The New Testament does not share in this assessment, having more in common with the Old Testament perspective on God’s mercy.
To be sure, the negative aspect appears. Drawing on Exodus 33:19, Paul showed how God in His sovereign purposes can withdraw His mercies. (Romans 9:15-16, 18, 23)
The total New Testament picture is much brighter. Jesus brought the good news of a merciful, forgiving God. He embodied that good news in Himself, and everywhere cries and expectation for mercy met him:
From two blind men (Matthew 9:27)
A woman with a possessed daughter (Matthew 15:22)
The father of an epileptic boy (Matthew 17:15)
Ten lepers (Luke 17:13)
It can be used negatively as in Hebrews 10:28 where it describes the merciless justice of the Law. Paul pointed to the positive side of God as “the Father of mercies,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) and he urged the Romans to sacrificial service based on God’s mercy. (Romans 12:1)
Christian mercy is rooted in God’s mercy, a principle already given by Jesus. (Luke 6:36)
The third word is “eleos.” It is the most common word in the New Testament for mercy. In secular Greek, the word was often viewed as a sign of weakness, a sentimental inclination to be overly lenient. The New Testament does not share in this assessment, having more in common with the Old Testament perspective on God’s mercy.
To be sure, the negative aspect appears. Drawing on Exodus 33:19, Paul showed how God in His sovereign purposes can withdraw His mercies. (Romans 9:15-16, 18, 23)
The total New Testament picture is much brighter. Jesus brought the good news of a merciful, forgiving God. He embodied that good news in Himself, and everywhere cries and expectation for mercy met him:
From two blind men (Matthew 9:27)
A woman with a possessed daughter (Matthew 15:22)
The father of an epileptic boy (Matthew 17:15)
Ten lepers (Luke 17:13)
In this life the mercy of God is always available for those who approach His throne. (Hebrews 4:16)
The Christian life is lived under this assurance of God’s mercy. This is why mercy is often an element in New Testament greeting and benedictions. (1 timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Galatians 6:16; 2 John 3; Jude 2)
Those who experience God’s mercy are themselves to be merciful. God not desire the external trappings of religiosity but deeds of mercy to others. (Matthew 9:13; 12:7; 23; 23)
One who shows no mercy to others cannot expect God’s mercy. (Matthew 18:33-34)(James 2:13)
Mercy is a mark of discipleship. (Matthew 5:7)
Disciples show deeds of mercy to a neighbor and perform them cheerfully. (Luke 10:36-37)(Romans 12:8)
God is mercy, and one who shares in God’s wisdom shares His mercy. (James 3:17)
As with the Old Testament, the New Testament treatment of God’s mercy cannot be separated from His love, His grace, and His faithfulness. They are all part of the same fabric.
The difference, of course, is that the New Testament writers had come to see the mercy of God in a much brighter light in the face of Jesus Christ.
He was, and still is, the ultimate manifestation of God’s mercy, the assurance of that mercy for believers, and the basis of their own mercy in the relationships with others.
Wow! Is that what is following you all the days of your life?
Observe:
WHAT HE PROMISES HIMSELF:
Goodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy.
THE MANNER OF THE CONVEYANCE:
It shall follow me, as the water out of the rock followed the camp of Israel through the wilderness; it shall follow into all places and all conditions, shall be always ready.
THE CONTINUANCE OF IT:
It shall follow me all my life long even to the last; for whom God loves He loves to the end.
THE CONSTANCY OF IT:
All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes it shall be new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily.
THE CERTAINTY OF IT:
Surely it shall.
It is as sure as the promise of God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed.
Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state.
So some take the latter clause: “Goodness and mercy having followed me all the days of my life on this earth, when it is ended I shall remove to a better world, to dwell in the house of the lord forever, in our Father’s house above, where there are many mansions.”
With what I have I am pleased much; with what I hope for I am pleased more.”
All this and heaven too! We serve a good Master.
The sheep with such a shepherd knows of a surety that this is a privileged position. No matter what comes, at least and always he can be perfectly sure that goodness and mercy will be in the picture. He reassures himself that he is ever under sound, sympathetic, intelligent ownership.
What more need he care about?
Goodness and mercy will the treatment he receives from his masters’ expert, loving hands. Not only is this a bold statement, but it is somewhat of a boast, an exclamation of implicit confidence in the One who controls his career and destiny.
How many Christians actually feel this way about Christ?
How many of us are truly concerned that no matter what occurs in our lives we are being followed by goodness and mercy?
Of course it is very simple to speak this way when things are going well. If my health is excellent; my income flourishing; my family is well; and my friends are fond of me it is not hard to say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
But what about when one’s body breaks down?
What do I say when I stand by helpless, as I have had to do, and watch a life partner die by degrees under appalling pain?
What is my reaction when my job folds up and there is no money to meet bills?
What happens if my children can’t make their grades in school or get caught running with the wrong gang?
What do I say when suddenly, without good grounds, friends prove false and turn against me?
These are the sort of times that test a person’s confidence in the care of Christ. These are the occasions during which the chips are down and life is more that a list of pious platitudes.
When my little world is falling apart and the dream castles of my ambitions and hopes crumble into ruins can I honestly declare: “Surely, yes, surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”?
Or is this sheer humbug and a maddening mockery?
In looking back over your own life, can you see His compassion and concern for you in His management of your affairs?
Were there events which at the time seemed like utter calamities?
Were there paths which He led you that appeared like blind alleys?
Were there days He took you through that seemed black as night itself?
But all in the end turned out for your benefit and your well being. With our limited understanding as finite human beings we can not always comprehend His management executed in infinite wisdom. With our natural tendencies to fear, worry and ask “why”, it is not always simple to assume that He really does know what He is doing with us.
Were there times you were tempted to bolt and to leave His care?
Did you have this strange notion that you could survive better on your own?
Despite our perverse behavior, aren’t you glad He did not give up on you?
Are you grateful He did follow us in goodness and mercy?
The only possible motivation was His own love, His care and concern for me as one of His sheep. Despite our doubts and misgivings about His management of our affairs, He has picked us up and borne you back again in great tenderness. The one who is truly in Christ’s care, no difficulty can arise, no dilemma emerge, no deeming disaster descend on the life without eventual good coming out of the chaos. This is to see the goodness and mercy of my Master in my life.
It is the great foundation of faith and confidence in Him.
I love Him because He first loved me. (I John 4:19)
His goodness and mercy and compassion to me are new every day.
My assurance is lodged in these aspects of His character.
My trust is in His love for me as His own.
My serenity has at its basis an implicit, unshakable reliance on His ability to do the right thing, the best thing in any given situation.
This is the supreme portrait of my Shepherd.
Continually there flows out to me His goodness and His mercy, which, even though I do not deserve them, come unremittingly from their source of supply, His own great heart of love. Herein is the essence of all that has gone before in this Psalm.
All the care, all the work, all the alert watchfulness, all the skill, all the concern, all the self-sacrifice are born of His love, the love of One who loves His sheep, loves His work, loves His role as a Shepherd.
“I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:10)
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us.” (I John 3:16)
With all this in view it is then proper to ask: “Is this outflow of goodness and mercy for me to stop and stagnate in my life?”
“Is there not a way in which it can pass on through me to benefit others?”
Yes, there is a way.
And this aspect is one which eludes many of us.
There is a positive, practical aspect in which my life in turn should be one whereby goodness and mercy follow in my footsteps for the well being of others. Just as God’s goodness and mercy flow to me all the days of my life, so goodness and mercy should follow me, should be left behind me, as a legacy to others, wherever I go.
Sheep can, under mismanagement, be the most destructive livestock. In short order they can ruin and ravage land almost beyond remedy. But in bold contrast they can be the most beneficial of all livestock is properly managed:
Their manure is the best balanced of any produced by domestic stock.
When scattered efficiently over the pastures it proves of enormous benefit to the soil.
The sheep’s habit of seeking the highest rise of ground on which to rest insures that the fertility from the rich low land is re-deposited on the less productive higher ground.
No other livestock consumes a s wide a variety of herbage.
Sheep eat all sorts of weeds and other undesirable plants which might otherwise invade a field.
In a few years a flock of well-managed sheep will clean up and restore a piece of ravaged land as no other creature can do.
In other words, goodness and mercy had followed the sheep. They left behind something worthwhile, productive, beautiful and beneficial to both themselves and others.
Where they had walked there followed fertility and weed-free land.
Where they had lived there remained beauty and abundance.
The question now comes to me pointedly; “Is this true of my life?”
Do I leave a blessing and benediction behind me?
Is this the way people feel about me, that I left behind a blessing?
Do I leave a trail of sadness or of gladness behind?
Is my memory, in other people’s minds, entwined with mercy and goodness, or would they rather forget me altogether?
Do I deposit a blessing behind me or am I a bane to others?
Is my life a pleasure to people or a pain?
Sir Alfred Tennyson wrote in one of his great classic poems, “The good men do lives after them.”
Sometimes it is profitable to ask ourselves such simple questions as:
Do I leave behind peace in lives, or turmoil?
Do I leave behind forgiveness, or bitterness?
Do I leave behind contentment, or conflict?
Do I leave behind flowers of joy, or frustration?
Do I leave behind love, or rancor?
Some people leave such a sorry mess behind them wherever the go that they prefer to cover their tracks.
For the true child of God, the one under the Shepherd’s care, there should never be any sense of shame or fear in going back to where they lived or been before.
Why?
Because there they have left a legacy of uplift, encouragement and inspiration to others.
The life of Jesus Christ can be summed up in the simple, verse, but deeply profound statement; “He went about, doing good!”
His good and kindly acts were always co-mingled with mercy. Where so often other human beings were rude and harsh and vindictive of one another, His compassion and tenderness was always apparent. Even the most flagrant sinners found forgiveness with Him, whereas at the hands of their fellow me they knew only condemnation, censure, and cruel criticism.
Is this my attitude to other people?
Do I sit up on my pedestal of self-pride and look with contempt upon my contemporaries, or do I get down and identify myself with them in their dilemma and there extend a small measure of the goodness and mercy given to me by my Master?
Do I see sinners with the compassion of Christ or with the critical eye of censure?
Am I willing to overlook faults and weaknesses in others and extend forgiveness as God has forgiven me in my failings?
The only real, practical measure of my appreciation for the goodness and mercy of God to me is the extent to which I am, in turn, prepared to show goodness and mercy to others.
If I am unable to forgive and extend friendship to fallen men and women, then it is quite certain I know little or nothing in a practical sense of Christ’s forgiveness and mercy to me.
It is this lack of love amongst Christians, which today makes the church an insipid, lukewarm institution. People come to find affection and are turned off by our tepidity.
But the man or woman who knows firsthand about the goodness and mercy of God in his life, will be warm and affectionate with goodness and mercy to others.
This is to be a benefit to them, but equally important, it is to be a blessing to God.
Yes, a blessing to God!
Most of us think only God can bring a blessing to us.
The Christian life is a two-way proposition.
Most of us forget that our Shepherd is looking for some satisfaction.
This is the benefit we can bring to Him.
He looks upon my life in tenderness for He loves me deeply.
He sees the long years during which His goodness and mercy followed me without slackening.
He longs to see some measure of that same goodness and mercy not only passed on to others by me but also passed back to Him in joy.
He longs for love, my love.
And I love Him, only because He first loved me.
Then He is satisfied.
All the Days of My Life
It is interesting to note that the psalmist said “all” the days of my life.
Not some days when things are going right. Not most of the time. Not only on Fridays.
Not almost all the time.
David, after being anointed by Samuel, spent a good part of his life running from Saul who wanted to kill him. He was chased, hunted like an animal, and wondered aloud in the other Psalms what was going on. But wherever he went, goodness and mercy were following him, pursuing him and overtaking him.
Did David feel like goodness and mercy were following him when his son Absalom took over the throne and David had to flee? It may not seem like it, but they were.
No matter what Bible dictionary you use, the word translated “all” means “all.”
I Shall Dwell In The House Of the Lord Forever
This Psalm opened with the proud, joyous statement; “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Here is a sheep so utterly satisfied with its lot in life, so fully contented with the care it receives, so much “at home” with the shepherd that here is not s shred of desire for change. Stated in simple, direct, rather rough ranch language it would be put like this, “Nothing will ever make me leave this outfit, it’s great!”
Conversely on the shepherd’s side there has developed a great affection and devotions to his flock. He would never think of parting with such sheep. Healthy, contented, productive sheep are his delight and profit. So strong, now, are the bonds between them that it is in very truth, forever.
The word “house” used here in the Psalm has a wider meaning than most people could attach to it. Normally we speak of the house of the Lord as the sanctuary or church or meeting place of God’s people. In one sense David may have had this in mind. And, of course, it is pleasant to think that one would always delight to be found in the Lord’s house.
But it must be kept in mind always, that the Psalmist, writing from the standpoint of a sheep, is reflecting on the recounting the full round of the year’s activities for the flock.
Actually what is referred to by “house” is the family of household or flock of the Good Shepherd.
The sheep is so deeply satisfied with the flock to which it belongs, with the ownership of this particular shepherd that it has no wish to change whatever. It is as if it had finally come home again and was now standing at the fence, bragging to its less fortunate neighbors on the other side. It boasts about the wonderful year it has had and its complete confidence in its owner.
Sometimes I feel we Christians should be much more like this. We should be proud to belong to Christ.
Why shouldn’t we feel free to boast to others of how good our Shepherd is?
How glad we should be to look back and recall all the amazing ways in which He has provided for our welfare.
We should delight to describe, in detail, the hard experiences through which He has brought us.
We should be eager and quick to tell of our confidence in Christ. We should be bold to state fearlessly that we are so glad we are His. By the contentment and serenity of our lives we should show what a distinct advantage it is to be a member of His “household,” of His flock.
What a comparison to the sheep who are not well cared for. Like wise with those apart from Christ. The world is a pretty wretched ranch and Satan is a heartless owner. He cares not a wit for men’s souls or welfare. Under his tyranny there are hundreds of hungry, discontented hearts who long to enter in the household of God, who ache for His care and concern.
Yet there is only one way into this fold. That way is through the owner, Christ Himself, the Good Shepherd.
He boldly declared, “ I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
Every day we are literally rubbing shoulders with men and women “on the other side of the fence.”
What is my impact on them?
Is my life so serene, so satisfying, so radiant because I walk and talk and live with God, that they become envious?
Do they see in me the benefits of being under Christ’s control?
So they see something of Him reflected in my conduct and character?
Does my life and conversation lead them to Him, and thus into life everlasting?
If so, then I may be sure some of them will also long to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. And there is no reason why this cannot happen if they come under His proper ownership.
There is one other beautiful and final sense in which the psalmist was speaking as a sheep. It is brought out in the Amplified Old Testament where the meaning of the last phrase is; ”I will dwell in the ‘presence’ of the Lord forever.”
It is probable the most significance sentiment that David had in his heart as he ended this hymn of praise to the Lord. Not only do we get the idea of an ever present Shepherd on the scene, but also the concept that the sheep wants to be in full view of his owner at all times.
This theme has run all through our study of this Psalm.
It is the alertness, the awareness, the diligence of a never tiring master which alone assures the sheep of excellent care. And from the sheep’s standpoint it is knowing that the shepherd is there; it is the constant awareness of this presence nearby that automatically eliminates most of the difficulties and dangers while at the same time providing a sense of security and serenity.
It is the sheep’s owner’s presence that guarantees there:
Will be abundant green pastures.
Will be still, clean waters.
New paths into fresh fields.
Safe summers on the high tablelands.
Freedom from fear.
Antidotes for flies and disease and parasites.
Quietness and contentment.
In our Christian lives and experience precisely the same idea and principles applies.
For when all is said and done on the subject of a successful Christian walk, it can be summed up in one sentence: “Live ever aware of God’s presence.”
There is the “ inner” consciousness, which can be very distinct and very real, of Christ’s presence in my life, made evident by His gracious Holy Spirit. It is He who speaks to us in distinct and definite ways about our behavior. For our part is a case of being sensitive and responsive to that inner voice.
There can be a habitual awareness of Christ within me, empowering me to live a noble and richly rewarding life in cooperation with Him. As I respond to Him and move in harmony with His wishes, I discover life becomes satisfying and worthwhile. It acquires great serenity and is made an exciting adventure of fulfillment as I progress in it. This is made possible as I allow His gracious Spirit to control, manage and direct my daily decisions.
I should deliberately ask for His direction even in minute details. Then there is the wider but equally thrilling awareness of God all around me. I live surrounded by His presence.
I am an open person, open individual, and living life open to His scrutiny.
He is conscious of every circumstance I encounter.
He attends me with care and concern because I belong to Him.
And this will continue through eternity.
What an assurance!
I shall dwell in the presence (in the care of) the Lord, YAHWEH, forever.
CONCLUSION
“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”
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 of 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, YAHWEH and the singer, save where enemies are referred to.
The personal note is immediately struck, “YAHWEH is my Shepherd!” This eternal King, ruling over all the 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 wonder phrase of Paul, “The good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
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.”
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Psalm 23 Verse 5
Verse 5: You Prepare A Table Before Me In The Presence Of My Enemies, You Anoint My Head With Oil, My Cup Overflows
You Prepare A Table Before Me
The antecedent of “You” is “Yahweh,” but it no longer seems to be Yahweh-Shepherd, since a shepherd does not prepare a table for his sheep. The image seems to have changed to that of a host. This implies that the Psalmist is Yahweh’s honored guest.
There is a series of two prepositional phrases used to indicate the “location” of the table’s preparation.
The first one is “before me” which indicates that the table prepared in the presence of the Psalmist.
The second prepositional phrase is “in the presence of my enemies.” Not only is the table prepared before him, but what is more amazing is that it is also prepared in the presence of the Psalmist’s enemies.
What is involved in a host’s preparing a table?
The Hebrew word for table is “shulhan.” It describes the physical table itself. More frequently it describes the table spread with food. Here the emphasis is on the meal rather than on the table itself. This is true of the table of shewbread also. From this the metaphorical use derives easily God’s provision for man’s needs. An important use of the word is to evoke the picture of the fellowship shared by those seated around the table.
Why do we invite friends over to our homes for dinner? Think about that for a moment. It is time to enjoy good food, but that is not the real reason. We invite people to our homes to fellowship with them. The meal provides the opportunity. If you have just met someone, what a way to get to know him or her. You go all out to prepare a feast and you and your guest enjoy to the opportunity to fellowship. It makes the guest feel special because you took the time and effort to have him or her over to your house for dinner.
The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 78:19 had this to say: “Then they spoke against God; they said, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? This was written about the Israelites who roamed the wilderness for 40 years. Did God provide for them? Yes He did. I found out what the logistics would have been for provision for the wandering Israelites. It is amazing. If you would like a copy of it, send me an email requesting the Logistics of the Exodus.
Lastly, the word is used to describe the altar of sacrifice. To share in a god’s table was an act of worship. (Isaiah 65:11)(1 Corinthians 10:21)
What is signified by Yahweh’s preparing a table for the Psalmist?
Specifically, how is this accomplished?
In what sense is it true that Yahweh is Host and the Psalmist His honored guest?
What are the wider implications of this Host-Guest relationship?
In thinking about this statement it is well to bear in mind that the sheep are approaching the high mountain country of the summer ranges. These are known as alp lands or table lands.
The high plateau of the sheep ranges are always referred to as “mesa” the Spanish word for “tables”. It may be seen that David referred to as a table was actually the entire high summer range. Though this “mesa” may have been remote and hard to reach, the energetic and aggressive sheep owner takes the time and trouble to ready them for the arrival of his flocks.
Early in the season, even before all the snow has been melted by spring sunshine, he will go ahead and make preliminary survey trips into this rough, wild country. He will look over with great care, keeping ever in mind its best use for his flock during the coming season.
Then just before the sheep arrive he will make another expedition or two to prepare the tableland for them. He takes along a supply of salt and minerals to be distributed over the range at strategic spots for the benefit of the sheep during the summer. The intelligent, careful manager will also decide well ahead of time where his camps will be located so the sheep have the best bed grounds. He goes over the range carefully to determine how vigorous the grass and upland vegetation is. At this time he decides whether some glades and basins can be used only lightly where as other slopes and meadows may be grazed more heavily. He will check to see if there are poisonous weeds appearing, and if so, he will plan his grazing program to avoid them, or take drastic steps to eradicate them.
The parallel in the Christian life is clear. Like sheep, and especially lambs, we somehow feel that we have to try everything that comes our way. We have to taste this thing and that, sampling everything just to see what it’s like. We may very well know that some things are deadly. They can do us no good. They can be most destructive. Still somehow we give them a whirl anyway.
To forestall our getting into grief of this sort, we need to remember our Master has been there ahead of us coping with every situation, which would otherwise undo us. A classic example of this was the incident when Jesus warned Peter that Satan desired to tempt him and sift him like wheat. But Christ pointed out that He had prayed that Peter’s faith might not fail during the desperate difficulty he would encounter. And so it is even today. Our great Good Shepherd is going ahead of us in every situation, anticipating what danger we may encounter, and praying for us that in it we might not succumb.
Another task the attentive shepherd takes on in the summer is to keep an eye out for predators.
He will look for signs of wolves, coyotes, cougars and bears. If these raid or molest the sheep he will have to hunt them down or go to great pains to trap them so that his flock can rest in peace.
Often what actually happens is that these crafty ones are up on the rimrock watching every movement the sheep make, hoping for a chance to make a swift, sneaking attack that will stampede the sheep. Then one or other of the flock is bound to fall easy prey to the attacker’s fierce teeth and claws. Only the alertness of the sheepman who tends his flock on the tableland in full view of possible enemies can prevent them from falling prey to attack. It is only his preparations for such an eventuality that can possible save the sheep from being slaughtered and panicked by their predators.
I can’t remember when or on what TV channel I saw this, but when a herd of elephants is attacked by a lion or other animal, the first thing they do is to get the baby elephants huddled together in the middle of the adults and then form a circle around them to protect them from the attack.
Another time I was watching a large flock of Canadian geese with young ones. Even without young ones, I noticed that all around where the others were feeding, it like there were posted sentries watching. They were on the alert for a possible attack. A lot of other animals do this also.
We have a Shepherd who knows our enemy and is well aware of his attempts to get to us. If we will listen to Him, He will tell what the devil is up to and how to avoid his attacks. Since God knows everything, even what the devil is up to, it’s like have a spy in the middle of the enemy’s camp. If we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will warn us so we can avoid the trap that is set for us.
Again we are given a sublime picture of our Savior who knows every wile, every trick, every treachery of our enemy Satan and his companions. Always we are in danger of attack. Scripture refers to him as “a roaring lion” who goes about seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8) It is interesting to watch a group of lions go after a herd of animals. They look for the stragglers, the young one and the sickly ones. These make easy prey. But they will attack a strong animal.
At all times we would be wise to walk a little closer to Christ. This is one sure place of safety.
It was always the distant sheep, the roamers, and the wanderers, which were picked off by the predators in an unsuspecting moment. Some sheep are utterly dumb with fear under attack; they will not even give a plaintive bleat before their blood is spilled.
The same is true of Christians. Many of us get into deep difficulty beyond ourselves; we are stricken dumb with apprehension, unable even to call or cry out for help; we just crumble under our adversary’s attack.
But Christ is too concerned about us to allow this to happen. Our Shepherd wants to forestall such a calamity. He wants our sojourn to be in peace. Our Lord wants our mountaintop times to be tranquil interludes. And they will be if we just have the common sense to stay near Him where He can protect us. Read His Word each day. Spend some time talking to Him. We should give Him opportunity to converse with us by His Spirit as we contemplate His life and work for us as our Shepherd.
There is another chore, which the sheepman takes care of on the tableland. He clears out the water holes, springs and drinking places for his flock. He has to clean out the accumulated debris of leaves, twigs, stones and soil that may have fallen into the water source during the autumn and winter. He may need to repair small earth dams he has made to hold water. He will open the springs that may have become overgrown with grass and brush and weeds. It is all his work, his preparation of the table for his own sheep in summer.
The parallel in the Christian life is that Christ, our great Good Shepherd has Himself already gone before us into every situation and every extremity that we might encounter. We are told emphatically that He was tempted in all points like as we are. (Hebrews 4:14-15) We know He entered full and completely and very intimately into life of men upon this earth. He has known our sufferings, experienced our sorrows, and endured our struggles in this life. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53) Because of this He “understands” us, He has totally “identified Himself with humanity. He has, therefore, a care and compassion for us beyond our ability to grasp.
No wonder He makes every possible provision to insure that when have to cope with Satan, sin, or self, the contest will not be one-sided. Rather, we can be sure He has been in that situation before; He is in it now again with us and because of this the prospects of our preservation are excellent. It is this attitude of rest in Him, of confidence in His care, of relaxation as we realize His presence in the picture that can make the Christian’s life one of calm and quiet confidence.
The Christian walk can thus become a mountaintop experience; a tableland trip, simply because we are in the care and control of Christ who has been over all this territory before us and prepared the “table” for us in plain view of our enemies who would demoralize and destroy us if they could.
It is encouraging to know that just as in any other aspect of life where there are lights and shadows, so in the Christian life there are valleys and mountaintops. Too many people assume that once one becomes a Christian, automatically life becomes a glorious garden of delight. We think that the Lord has promised us a rose garden. This is simply not the case. It may well become a garden of sorrow just as our Savior went through the garden of Gethsemane.
As was pointed out previously, you do not have mountains without valleys, and even on the mountaintop there can be some tough experiences. Just because the shepherd has gone ahead and made every possible provision for the safety and welfare of his sheep while they are on the summer range does not mean they will not have problems there.
Predators can still attack; poisonous weeds can still grow; storms and gales can still come swirling up over the peaks; and a dozen other hazards can haunt the high country. Yet, in His care and concern for us Christ still insures that we will have some gladness with our sadness; some delightful days as well as dark days; some sunshine as well as shadows. It is not always apparent to us what tremendous personal cost it has been for Christ to prepare the table for His own.
Just as the lonely, personal privation of the sheepman who prepares the summer range for his flock entails a sacrifice, so the lonely agony of Gethsemane, of Pilate’s hall, of Calvary, have cost my Master much.
When I come to the Lord’s Table and partake of the communion service, which is a feast of thanksgiving for His love and care, do I fully appreciate what it has cost Him to prepare this table for me?
Here we commemorate the greatest and deepest demonstration of “true love” the world has ever known.
For God looked down upon sorrow, struggling, sinning humanity and was moved with compassion for the contrary, sheep-like creatures He had made. In spite of the tremendous personal cost it would entail to Himself to deliver them from their dilemma, He chose deliberately to descend and live among them that He might deliver them. This meant laying aside His splendor, His position, and His prerogatives as the perfect and faultless One. He knew He would be exposed to terrible privation, to ridicule, to false accusations, to rumors, gossip and malicious charges that branded Him as a glutton, drunkard, friend of sinners and even an imposter.
It entailed losing His reputation.
It would involve physical suffering, mental anguish and spiritual agony.
In short, His coming to earth as the Christ, as Jesus of Nazareth, was a straightforward case of utter self-sacrifice that culminated in the cross of Calvary.
The laid-down life, the poured-out blood were the supreme symbols of total selflessness.
This was love.
This was God.
This was divinity in action, delivering men from their own utter selfishness, their own stupidity; their own suicidal instincts as lost sheep unable t help themselves. In all of this there is an amazing mystery. No man will ever be able fully to fathom its implications. It is bound up inexorably with the concept of God’s divine love of self-sacrifice, which is so foreign to most of us who are self-centered.
At best we can only grasp feebly the incredible concept of a perfect person, a sinless one being willing actually to be made sin that we who are so full of faults, selfish self assertion and suspicion might be set free form sin and self to live a new, free, fresh, abundant life of righteousness.
Jesus told us Himself, that He had come that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Just as the sheepman is thrilled beyond words to see his sheep thriving on the high, rich summer range, so my Shepherd is immensely pleased then He sees me flourish on the tablelands of a noble, lofty life that He has made possible for me. Part of the mystery and wonder of Calvary, of Gods’ love to us in Christ, is bound up too with deep desire of His heart to have me live on a higher plane. He longs to see me living above the mundane level of common humanity.
He is so pleased when I walk in the ways of holiness, of selflessness, of serene contentment in His care, aware of His presence and enjoying the intimacy of His companionship.
To live thus is to live richly.
To walk here is to walk with quiet assurance.
To feed here is to be replete with good things.
To find this tableland is to have found something of my Shepherd’s love for me.
Several years ago I was sitting in church when the pastor came to the pulpit and said that he was going to preach a sermon that he had preached some time ago. When he started, I knew exactly what he was going to talk about, so I closed my Bible and notebook. After receiving this revelation I now keep my notebook open.
As he was preaching, I don’t remember what he said, but I began to receive revelation about the table in this psalm.
Here is what that was revealed to me.
Image a long table, and this table is covered with a purple tablecloth with gold fringe. At the end of the table are two large purple chairs with gold trim.
On this table are the following items each with its symbolic meaning:
The first item is a large menorah, holding seven candles that are lit. This represents Jesus as the Light of the World.
There is a big picture of milk representing the sincere milk of the Word in Hebrews
There is also a huge piece of meat representing the strong meat of the Word in Hebrews
The next item is a large loaf of bread, representing Jesus as the Bread of Life.
On this table is also a large vial of oil, representing the Holy Spirit; the oil of joy, the oil of gladness, the oil of healing, the anointing.
There are nine large bowls overflowing with different kinds of fruit, each one representing the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
We will also find on this table a large pitcher of water, presenting the Word of God.
Next we find a gold cup of wine and a loaf of broken bread, representing the Lord’s Supper, our communion with Him.
The Lord is standing behind the large purple chair reserved for His guest, waiting to seat you at His table. He bids each one of us to come and partake of His table.
What do you need from Him today?
You can find what you need by just coming to His table.
In the Presence of My Enemies
Who are the Psalmist’s “enemies?”
Why should the Psalmist have enemies?
What is meant by Yahweh’s preparing a table for the Psalmist in the presence of his enemies?
Why does the Psalmist suggest that Yahweh would do such a thing?
I like what Webster’s Dictionary says about an enemy:
An enemy is person who hates, opposes, or fosters harmful designs against another.
An adversary, foe, or hater.
It can refer to an individual opponent or to a hostile force, either a nation or an army.
There are several Hebrew words are rendered “enemy” in the Old Testament:
“Tsar” means an “adversary, foe, oppressor, or enemy.” It comes from the verb “tsarar”, which means “to show hostility toward.”
An “’ohev” is “one who is hostile, an enemy or foe.”
The term “sane’” means, “one who hates.”
“Zur” is a “stranger, foreigner, or alien.”
One Greek term, “echthros”, is used for each of the Hebrew words in the New Testament. Its basic definition is simply “enemy.”
Enemy is also used to speak of one’s personal foes. This is especially true in the Psalms. David asked for help against his enemies on a number of occasions (Psalm 25:2; Psalm 25:19). Other poets in the Psalter often sought this same protection (Psalm 119:84; Psalm 119:86).
Satan is also called “the enemy” (1 Tim. 5:14-15). He has revealed himself as such throughout history by seeking to hurt men and women, leading them away from God.
The greatest and final enemy is death itself (1 Cor. 15:24). It is feared by all because of its finality and unknown nature. But the Bible teaches that Jesus has “abolished” death once for all (2 Tim. 1:10). Those who have trusted Christ for the salvation He freely gives need not fear death.
If you are a Christian, you have enemies. Satan hates you, opposes you, and fosters harmful designs against you. All the demons in hell hate you. The world system hates you.
People that hate you are just being used by Satan and his demons to express their hatred for you. Remember that in 2 Corinthians 10 that is says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places. They truly don’t know what is going on. James says that to love this world is to become and enemy of God.
Yet in the midst of our enemies surrounding us, God prepares a table before us in their presence.
Can you imagine a table like one I described above being prepared, this huge spread, and you are seated with the Lord at the table, and all around you your enemies are standing off in the distance watching this?
I wonder what they would be thinking! It probably wouldn’t be nice.
You Anoint My Head With Oil
This seems to contain another action of Yahweh. Not only does Yahweh prepare a table, but He also has anointed the Psalmist’s head with oil.“ Prepares” is in the present tense, whereas “hast anointed” is in the present perfect.
What is meant by “anointed?”
It describes the procedure of rubbing or smearing a person or thing, usually with oil, for the purpose of healing, setting apart, or embalming.
A person can anoint himself, be anointed, or anoint another person or thing.
What is oil?
Generally, it is olive oil whether pure or prepared for various uses such as perfume or ointment.
Oil is one of the symbols for the Anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Oil was used in a variety of ways in biblical times in the Ancient Near East.
Most often oil was use in the preparation of food, taking the place of animal fat. Oil was used with meal in the preparation of cakes, with honey, flour, and wine. (Numbers 11:8)(1 Kings 17:12-16)(Ezekiel 16:13)(Leviticus 2:1-4)(Revelation 6:6)
Oil was used as fuel for lamps, both in homes and in the Tabernacle and Temple. ((Matthew 25:3)(Exodus 25:6)
Oil was extensively used in religious ceremonies. The morning and evening sacrifices required, in addition to the lambs, a tenth of measure of fine flour and fourth of a hin of beaten oil. This oil, called “beaten oil”, was lighter and considered the best oil. Other cereal offering also required oil.
Oil was used during the offerings of purification from leprosy.
In the New Testament, oil was used to anoint a body in preparation for burial. (Matthew 26:12)
Since olive trees were found in abundance in Palestine, olive oil was also used as a commodity of trade. (1 Kings 5:11)(Ezekiel 27:17)
Oil was regarded as a symbol of honor, while virtue was compared to perfumed oil. (Song of Solomon 1:3)(Ecclesiastes 7:1)
The abundance of oil was a demonstration of blessing and prosperity. (Job 29:6)(Joel 2:24)
However, as a symbol of affluence, oil was also associated with the arrogance of the rich.
(Hebrew: “valley of oil”; KJV: “fat valley,” Isaiah 28:1, 4)
Oil was a symbol of joy and gladness (Psalm 45:7), and in time of sorrow, anointing with oil was not practiced. (2Samuel 14:2)
Several persons in the Old Testament we anointed with oil:
Kings: (1 Samuel 10:1)(1 Samuel 16:13)
Priests: (Leviticus 8:30)
Prophets: (1 Kings 19:16)
Some objects were also anointed in dedication to God; the tabernacle, and all its furnishings (Exodus 40:9-11); the shields of soldiers (2 Samuel 1:21; Isaiah 21:5); altars (Leviticus 8:10-11), and pillars (Genesis 35:14)
As medicine, oil or ointment was used in the treatment of wounds (Isaiah 1:6)(Luke 10:34).
Oil was used cosmetically as protection against the scorching sun or the dryness of the desert. (Ruth 3:3)(Ecclesiastes 9:8)
Why does Yahweh “anoint?”
The Hebrew word “mashach (noun, messiah) and the Greek verb “chrio (noun, christos) are translated “to anoint.”
From ancient times the priests and kings were ceremonially anointed as a sign of God’s power upon them. The act was imbued with an element of awe. This was done by pouring a horned filled with oil over the person’s head. Psalm 133 gives a picture of this. This was not like we do today. We usually put a dab of oil on our finger and touch the person’s forehead. The whole horn of oil is literally poured out on the person's head.
Even today we talk about people being “anointed by God “ for ministry. God anoints every Christian for a specific purpose. The gifts of Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 require an anointing by the Lord.
Why does He “anoint the head with oil?
Literally the head is the upper most part of the body considered to be the seat of life, but not the intellect and figuratively for first, top, or chief.
There are various uses of the word “head” that we will not get into. Check it out for yourself.
Because the head was the seat of life, value was placed on it. Injury to it was a chief form of defeating an enemy. Defeated warriors were often beheaded.
Conversely, blessing comes upon the head and therefore hands are laid on it. (Genesis 48:17; 49:26)
Anointing the head with oil symbolized prosperity and joy. (Psalm 23:5; Hebrews 1:9)
In the service of ordination of priests and dedication of priestly service, the head of the high priest was anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 16:32)
It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing an invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His sheep with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs, in heavenly fellowship with Him.
Here now the sheep are in a sublime setting on the high meadows; where there are clear running springs; where the forage is fresh and tender, where here is the intimate close contact with the shepherd; suddenly we find “a fly in the ointment,” so to speak. For in the terminology of the sheepman, “summertime is fly time.”
By this, reference is made to the hordes of insects that emerge with the advent of warm weather.
Only those people who have kept livestock or studied wildlife habits are aware of the serious problems for animal presented by insects in the summer.
To name a few parasites that trouble stock and make their lives a misery:
warble flies
bot flies
heel flies
nose (nasal) flies
deer flies
black flies
mosquitoes
gnats
Their attacks on animals can readily turn the golden summer months into a time of torture for sheep and drive them almost to distraction.
Sheep are especially troubled by the nose fly, or nasal fly. These flies buzz about the sheep’s head, attempting to deposit their eggs on the damp, mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. It they are successful the eggs will hatch in a few days to form small, slender, worm-like larvae.
They work their way to the nasal passages into the sheep’s head; they burrow into the flesh and there set up an intense irritation accompanied by severe inflammation.
For relief from this agonizing annoyance sheep will deliberately beat their heads against trees, rocks, posts, or brush. They will rub them in the soil and thrash around against woody growth.
In extreme cases of intense infestation a sheep may even kill itself in a frenzied endeavor to gain relief from the aggravation. Often advanced stages of infection from these flies will lead to blindness.
Because of all this, when the nose flies hover around the flock, some of the sheep become frantic with fear and panic in their attempt to escape their tormentors. They will stamp their feet erratically and flee from place to place in the pasture trying desperately to elude the flies. Some may run so much they will drop from sheer exhaustion. Others may toss their heads up and down for hours. They will hide in any bush or woodland that offers shelter. On some occasions they may refuse to graze in the open at all.
All this excitement and distraction has a devastating effect on the entire flock. Ewes and lambs rapidly lose condition and begin to drop in weight. Ewes will go off milking and their lambs will stop growing gainfully. Some sheep will be injured in their headlong rushes of panic. Others may be blinded. Some may even be killed outright.
Only the strictest attention to the behavior of the sheep by the shepherd can forestall the difficulties of “fly time.” At the very first sign of flies among the flock he will apply an antidote to their heads.
What an incredible transformation this makes among the sheep. Once the oil had been applied to the sheep’s head there is an immediate change in behavior. Gone is the aggravation, gone the frenzy; gone the irritability and the restlessness. Instead the sheep will start to feed quietly again, and soon lie down in peaceful contentment.
This is the exact picture of irritations in our own lives. How easy it is for there to be a fly in the ointment of even our most lofty spiritual experience. So often it is the small, petty annoyances that ruin our repose. It is the nagging distractions that become burning issues that can well nigh drive us round the bend or up the wall. At times some tiny, tantalizing thing torments us to the point where we feel we are just beating our brains out.
Our behavior as a child of God degenerates to a most disgraceful sort of frustrated tirade.
I was in a grocery store one time at the check line and there was this child, I would say about two years standing with his mother just throwing a temper tantrum. He was yelling, crying, and demanding that this mother get him this particular thing he wanted. As I was watching this, the Lord spoke to me and said this is how some of my children act, including me. If you think about it for a moment, we do. We throw a fit with the Lord because He won’t give us what we want or we don’t get out own way. How do react when someone irritates us?
There was an individual I worked with several years that I could not stand to be around. It seemed like his purpose in life was to irritate me. He would do things, on purpose, that would irritate the sap out of me. I would go into the back of the shipping container where I was working and tell the Lord that I really felt like taking my fist and shoving it down his throat. It wasn’t until I read this section about the irriations of the sheep that he was my “nasal fly.” That’s what I started calling him to myself. Everytime I saw him, I would just start laughing to myself. Over a period of time, I noticed that no matter what he did, my irritation with him was decreasing. It got to the point where no matter what he did; it did not irritate me like it use to.
Just as with the sheep there must be continuous and renewed application of oil to forestall the “flies” in our lives, there must be a continuous anointing of God’s gracious Spirit to counteract the ever-present aggravations of personality conflicts. It is a process that has to be repeated.
There are those who contend that in the Christian life one need only have a single, initial anointing of God’s Spirit. Yet the frustrations of daily dilemmas demonstrate that one must have Him come continuously to the troubled mind and heart to counteract the attacks of one’s tormentors. It is both a logical and legitimate desire for us to have the daily anointing of God’s gracious Spirit upon our minds.
God alone can form in us the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit alone can give to us the attitudes of Christ. He alone makes it possible for us to respond to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness. When people or circumstances or events beyond our control tend to “bug” us, it is possible to be content and serene when these “outside” forces are counteracted by the presence of God’s Spirit. It is something that is not going to happen overnight. It takes a conscious awareness of what is going on and then making a conscious decision to respond and not react.
Several years ago I was driving on the interstate and somebody cut right in front of me and when he did I did not bless him. The Lord got on me about this and told me that I needed to change from reacting in anger to blessing people. My question was to Him, How do you do it? He gave me a passage of Scripture from Numbers 6:24-26 and I was to use that to bless others on the road. Well, the next time I got cut off, I spouted off the Scripture passage in anger, and I told the Lord that You know that I didn’t mean it. As I continued to pray this passage of Scripture, it eventually became my response instead of an angry reaction. I used this when working as a prayer counselor at CBN. People would curse at you and slam the phone down in your ear. So every time this happened I responded with this prayer of blessing regardless of whether they received it or not. Another prayer counselor beside me asked me what I was doing and I explained to her what the Lord told me to do, so she started doing it. Sometimes I slip up, but when I do, I make it a point to be extra aware of what is going on and pray this passage over people.
It is this daily anointing of God’s gracious Spirit upon our minds which produces in our lives such personality traits as joy, contentment, love, patience, gentleness, and peace. What a contrast this is to the tempers, frustration, and irritableness, which mar the daily conduct of so many of God’s children. What I do in any given situation is to expose it to my Master, my Owner, Christ Jesus, and simply ask for His help.
Summertime for the sheep is more that just fly time. It is also “scab-time.” Scab is an irritating and highly contagious disease common among sheep the world over. Sheep love to rub heads in an affectionate and friendly manner. When two sheep rub together the infection spreads readily from one to another.
In the Christian life, most of our contamination by the world, by sin, by that which would defile and disease us spiritually comes through our minds. It is a case of mind meeting mind to transmit ideas, concepts and attitudes that may be damaging.
Often it is when we “get our heads together” with someone else who may not necessarily have the mind of Christ, that we come away imbued with concepts that are not Christian. Our thoughts, our ideas, our emotions, our choices, our impulses, drives and desires are all shaped and molded through the exposure of our minds to others people’s, minds. One cannot be exposed to such contacts without coming away contaminated. I have been come into contact with a few of these and have “butted heads” with them.
The only possible, practical path to attaining such a mind free of the world’s contamination is to be conscious daily, hourly of the purging presence of God’s Holy Spirit to our minds. There are those who seem unable to realize His control of their minds and thoughts. It is a simple matter of faith and acceptance.
Just as one asks Christ to come into the life initially to assure complete control of one’s conscious and subconscious mind to monitor one’s thought-life. After believing, accepting with thanks the anointing of His gracious Spirit upon our minds, we simply proceed to live and act and think as He directs us.
The difficulty is that some of us are not in dead earnest about it. Like stubborn sheep we will struggle, kick, and protest when the Master puts His hand upon us for this purpose. Even if it is for our own good, we still rebel and refuse to have Him help us when we need it so desperately.
In a sense we are a stiff-necked lot and were it not for Christ’s continuing compassion and concern for us, most of us would be beyond hope or help. Sometimes I am quite sure Christ comes to us and applies the oil of His own Spirit to our minds in spite of our own objections.
Were this not so, where would most of us be?
As summer moves into autumn, there are subtle changes in the flock.
This is the season or the rut, of mating, of great battles between the rams for possession of the ewes. They strut proudly across the pastures and fight furiously for the favor of the ewes.
The shepherd knows all about this. He knows that some of the sheep will can actually kill, injure and main each other in these deadly combats. At this season of the year he will catch his rams and smear their heads with grease. The lubricant will make them glance off each other.
Among God’s people there is a considerable amount of knocking each other. Somehow if we don’t see eye to eye with the other person, we persist in trying to assert ourselves and become “top sheep.” A good many become badly bruised and hurt this way. Much of the grief, the wounds, the hurts, the ill will, the unforgiving things in people’s lives can usually be traced back to old rivalries or jealousies or battles that had broken out between believers. Scores of skeptical souls will never enter a church simply because way back into their experience someone had battered them badly.
To forestall and prevent this sort of thing from happening among His people our Shepherd loves to apply the precious ointment of the presence of His gracious Spirit to our lives. It will be recalled that just before His crucifixion, our Lord in dealing with His twelve disciples, who, even then, were caught up in jealous bickering and rivalry for prestige, told of the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth.
He said, they would know peace. He went on to say that His people would be known everywhere for their love for one another.
But too often this simply is not true among God’s own people. They hammer and knock each other, stiff-necked with pride and self-assertion. They are intolerant, dogmatic and uncharitable with other Christians. Yet when the gracious Holy Spirit invades a man or woman, when He enters that life and is in control of the personality, the attributes of peace, joy, longsuffering and generosity become apparent.
It is then that suddenly one becomes aware of how ridiculous are all the petty jealousies, rivalries, and animosities which formerly motivated their absurd assertions. This is to come to a place of contentment in the Shepherd’s care. It is then the cup of contentment that becomes real in the life.
MY CUP OVERFLOWS
The cup was a drinking vessel made of pottery or various metals such as gold, silver, or bronze. During biblical times cups came in two different forms. Some resembled their modern counterparts. However, most ancient cups were shallow bowls which were produced in a multitude of sizes.
In addition, the term cup was used to designate the receptacles for holding lamps on the lampstand of the tabernacle.
In the Bible, the word “cup” frequently is used in a figurative sense. The contents of the cup are accentuated, since symbolically God serves the drink.
Thus the cup might represent blessings or prosperity for a righteous person. (Psalm 16:5; 23:5; 116:13)
Likewise, it portrayed the totality of divine judgment on the wicked. ((Psalm 16:5; 75:8)(Isaiah 51:17, 22)
Jesus voluntarily drank the cup of suffering. (Matthew 20:22)(Matthew 26:39, 42) For Jesus that cup was His death and everything that it involved.
The cup had a prominent place in the liturgy of the Jewish Passover meal, and so, subsequently, in the Lord’s Supper. In the Christian ordinance the cup is a symbolic reminder of the atoning death of Jesus. (Matthew 26:27-28)(Mark 14:23-24)
As the children of God, the sheep in the Divine Shepherd’s care, we should be known as the most contented people on earth.
A quiet, restful contentment should be the hallmark of those who call Christ their Master. If He is the One who has all the knowledge and wisdom and understanding of my affairs and management; If He is able to cope with every situation, good or bad, that I encounter, then surely I should be satisfied with His care.
In a wonderful way my cup, or my lot in life, is a happy one that overflows with benefits of all sorts. The trouble is most of us don’t see if this way. Especially when troubles or disappointments come along, we are apt to feel forgotten by our Shepherd. We act as though He had fallen down on the job.
Actually He is never asleep.
He is never lax or careless.
He is never indifferent to our well being.
Our Shepherd always has our best interests in mind. Because of this we are actually under obligation to be a thankful, grateful, appreciative people. The New Testament instructs us clearly to grasp the idea that the cup of our life is full and overflowing with good, with the life of Christ Himself and with the presence of His gracious Spirit.
Because of this we should be joyous, grateful, and serene.
This is the overcoming Christian life.
It is the life in which a Christian can be content with whatever comes his way, even trouble.
Most of us are glad when things go well.
How many of us can give thanks when things go wrong?
Several years ago I was on my way to another state where we going to do a short term missions trip. As my friend and I were driving down the interstate, we were just enjoying the ride. Eventually we stopped at a gas station and noticed that my luggage on back of the truck was missing. Somewhere the suitcase had slipped out of the ropes that tied to the material we were carrying. After few moments, and deciding not to backtrack to try and find it, we continued on our way. I turned to my friend and, “You know, in 1 Thessalonians 5 if says to give thanks in everything. So Lord I thank you.” When we arrived to where we were going I shared with the others there what had happened. When we took a break from the Vacation Bible School we were doing, one of the parents came up to me and ask me to tell him what happened. I explained to him that somewhere the suitcase slipped out of the ropes, and that I thanked the Lord. He went away shaking his head and said that if that had happened to him he would have been mad.
Looking again at the round of the year through which the sheep pass in the shepherd’s care, we see summer moving into autumn. The autumn days can be golden under Indian summer weather. The sheep have respite now from flies and insects and scab. No other season finds them so fit and well and strong.
No wonder David wrote, “My cup runneth over.”
There is another aspect of the meaning of a cup that overflows.
There is in every life a cup of suffering.
Jesus Christ referred to His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and at Calvary as His cup. Had it not overflowed with His life poured out for men, we would have perished.
What a picture of my Master, sharing the wine, the very life blood of His own suffering from His overflowing cup poured out at Calvary for me.
He is there with me in every storm.
My Shepherd is alert to every approaching disaster that threatens His people.
He has been through the storms of suffering before.
He bore our sorrows and was acquainted with our grief. (Isaiah 53)
No matter what storms I face, His very life and strength and vitality is poured into mine.
It overflows so the cup of my life runs over with His life, often with great blessing and benefit to others who see me stand up so well in the midst of trials and suffering.
What about you?
You Prepare A Table Before Me
The antecedent of “You” is “Yahweh,” but it no longer seems to be Yahweh-Shepherd, since a shepherd does not prepare a table for his sheep. The image seems to have changed to that of a host. This implies that the Psalmist is Yahweh’s honored guest.
There is a series of two prepositional phrases used to indicate the “location” of the table’s preparation.
The first one is “before me” which indicates that the table prepared in the presence of the Psalmist.
The second prepositional phrase is “in the presence of my enemies.” Not only is the table prepared before him, but what is more amazing is that it is also prepared in the presence of the Psalmist’s enemies.
What is involved in a host’s preparing a table?
The Hebrew word for table is “shulhan.” It describes the physical table itself. More frequently it describes the table spread with food. Here the emphasis is on the meal rather than on the table itself. This is true of the table of shewbread also. From this the metaphorical use derives easily God’s provision for man’s needs. An important use of the word is to evoke the picture of the fellowship shared by those seated around the table.
Why do we invite friends over to our homes for dinner? Think about that for a moment. It is time to enjoy good food, but that is not the real reason. We invite people to our homes to fellowship with them. The meal provides the opportunity. If you have just met someone, what a way to get to know him or her. You go all out to prepare a feast and you and your guest enjoy to the opportunity to fellowship. It makes the guest feel special because you took the time and effort to have him or her over to your house for dinner.
The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 78:19 had this to say: “Then they spoke against God; they said, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? This was written about the Israelites who roamed the wilderness for 40 years. Did God provide for them? Yes He did. I found out what the logistics would have been for provision for the wandering Israelites. It is amazing. If you would like a copy of it, send me an email requesting the Logistics of the Exodus.
Lastly, the word is used to describe the altar of sacrifice. To share in a god’s table was an act of worship. (Isaiah 65:11)(1 Corinthians 10:21)
What is signified by Yahweh’s preparing a table for the Psalmist?
Specifically, how is this accomplished?
In what sense is it true that Yahweh is Host and the Psalmist His honored guest?
What are the wider implications of this Host-Guest relationship?
In thinking about this statement it is well to bear in mind that the sheep are approaching the high mountain country of the summer ranges. These are known as alp lands or table lands.
The high plateau of the sheep ranges are always referred to as “mesa” the Spanish word for “tables”. It may be seen that David referred to as a table was actually the entire high summer range. Though this “mesa” may have been remote and hard to reach, the energetic and aggressive sheep owner takes the time and trouble to ready them for the arrival of his flocks.
Early in the season, even before all the snow has been melted by spring sunshine, he will go ahead and make preliminary survey trips into this rough, wild country. He will look over with great care, keeping ever in mind its best use for his flock during the coming season.
Then just before the sheep arrive he will make another expedition or two to prepare the tableland for them. He takes along a supply of salt and minerals to be distributed over the range at strategic spots for the benefit of the sheep during the summer. The intelligent, careful manager will also decide well ahead of time where his camps will be located so the sheep have the best bed grounds. He goes over the range carefully to determine how vigorous the grass and upland vegetation is. At this time he decides whether some glades and basins can be used only lightly where as other slopes and meadows may be grazed more heavily. He will check to see if there are poisonous weeds appearing, and if so, he will plan his grazing program to avoid them, or take drastic steps to eradicate them.
The parallel in the Christian life is clear. Like sheep, and especially lambs, we somehow feel that we have to try everything that comes our way. We have to taste this thing and that, sampling everything just to see what it’s like. We may very well know that some things are deadly. They can do us no good. They can be most destructive. Still somehow we give them a whirl anyway.
To forestall our getting into grief of this sort, we need to remember our Master has been there ahead of us coping with every situation, which would otherwise undo us. A classic example of this was the incident when Jesus warned Peter that Satan desired to tempt him and sift him like wheat. But Christ pointed out that He had prayed that Peter’s faith might not fail during the desperate difficulty he would encounter. And so it is even today. Our great Good Shepherd is going ahead of us in every situation, anticipating what danger we may encounter, and praying for us that in it we might not succumb.
Another task the attentive shepherd takes on in the summer is to keep an eye out for predators.
He will look for signs of wolves, coyotes, cougars and bears. If these raid or molest the sheep he will have to hunt them down or go to great pains to trap them so that his flock can rest in peace.
Often what actually happens is that these crafty ones are up on the rimrock watching every movement the sheep make, hoping for a chance to make a swift, sneaking attack that will stampede the sheep. Then one or other of the flock is bound to fall easy prey to the attacker’s fierce teeth and claws. Only the alertness of the sheepman who tends his flock on the tableland in full view of possible enemies can prevent them from falling prey to attack. It is only his preparations for such an eventuality that can possible save the sheep from being slaughtered and panicked by their predators.
I can’t remember when or on what TV channel I saw this, but when a herd of elephants is attacked by a lion or other animal, the first thing they do is to get the baby elephants huddled together in the middle of the adults and then form a circle around them to protect them from the attack.
Another time I was watching a large flock of Canadian geese with young ones. Even without young ones, I noticed that all around where the others were feeding, it like there were posted sentries watching. They were on the alert for a possible attack. A lot of other animals do this also.
We have a Shepherd who knows our enemy and is well aware of his attempts to get to us. If we will listen to Him, He will tell what the devil is up to and how to avoid his attacks. Since God knows everything, even what the devil is up to, it’s like have a spy in the middle of the enemy’s camp. If we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will warn us so we can avoid the trap that is set for us.
Again we are given a sublime picture of our Savior who knows every wile, every trick, every treachery of our enemy Satan and his companions. Always we are in danger of attack. Scripture refers to him as “a roaring lion” who goes about seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8) It is interesting to watch a group of lions go after a herd of animals. They look for the stragglers, the young one and the sickly ones. These make easy prey. But they will attack a strong animal.
At all times we would be wise to walk a little closer to Christ. This is one sure place of safety.
It was always the distant sheep, the roamers, and the wanderers, which were picked off by the predators in an unsuspecting moment. Some sheep are utterly dumb with fear under attack; they will not even give a plaintive bleat before their blood is spilled.
The same is true of Christians. Many of us get into deep difficulty beyond ourselves; we are stricken dumb with apprehension, unable even to call or cry out for help; we just crumble under our adversary’s attack.
But Christ is too concerned about us to allow this to happen. Our Shepherd wants to forestall such a calamity. He wants our sojourn to be in peace. Our Lord wants our mountaintop times to be tranquil interludes. And they will be if we just have the common sense to stay near Him where He can protect us. Read His Word each day. Spend some time talking to Him. We should give Him opportunity to converse with us by His Spirit as we contemplate His life and work for us as our Shepherd.
There is another chore, which the sheepman takes care of on the tableland. He clears out the water holes, springs and drinking places for his flock. He has to clean out the accumulated debris of leaves, twigs, stones and soil that may have fallen into the water source during the autumn and winter. He may need to repair small earth dams he has made to hold water. He will open the springs that may have become overgrown with grass and brush and weeds. It is all his work, his preparation of the table for his own sheep in summer.
The parallel in the Christian life is that Christ, our great Good Shepherd has Himself already gone before us into every situation and every extremity that we might encounter. We are told emphatically that He was tempted in all points like as we are. (Hebrews 4:14-15) We know He entered full and completely and very intimately into life of men upon this earth. He has known our sufferings, experienced our sorrows, and endured our struggles in this life. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53) Because of this He “understands” us, He has totally “identified Himself with humanity. He has, therefore, a care and compassion for us beyond our ability to grasp.
No wonder He makes every possible provision to insure that when have to cope with Satan, sin, or self, the contest will not be one-sided. Rather, we can be sure He has been in that situation before; He is in it now again with us and because of this the prospects of our preservation are excellent. It is this attitude of rest in Him, of confidence in His care, of relaxation as we realize His presence in the picture that can make the Christian’s life one of calm and quiet confidence.
The Christian walk can thus become a mountaintop experience; a tableland trip, simply because we are in the care and control of Christ who has been over all this territory before us and prepared the “table” for us in plain view of our enemies who would demoralize and destroy us if they could.
It is encouraging to know that just as in any other aspect of life where there are lights and shadows, so in the Christian life there are valleys and mountaintops. Too many people assume that once one becomes a Christian, automatically life becomes a glorious garden of delight. We think that the Lord has promised us a rose garden. This is simply not the case. It may well become a garden of sorrow just as our Savior went through the garden of Gethsemane.
As was pointed out previously, you do not have mountains without valleys, and even on the mountaintop there can be some tough experiences. Just because the shepherd has gone ahead and made every possible provision for the safety and welfare of his sheep while they are on the summer range does not mean they will not have problems there.
Predators can still attack; poisonous weeds can still grow; storms and gales can still come swirling up over the peaks; and a dozen other hazards can haunt the high country. Yet, in His care and concern for us Christ still insures that we will have some gladness with our sadness; some delightful days as well as dark days; some sunshine as well as shadows. It is not always apparent to us what tremendous personal cost it has been for Christ to prepare the table for His own.
Just as the lonely, personal privation of the sheepman who prepares the summer range for his flock entails a sacrifice, so the lonely agony of Gethsemane, of Pilate’s hall, of Calvary, have cost my Master much.
When I come to the Lord’s Table and partake of the communion service, which is a feast of thanksgiving for His love and care, do I fully appreciate what it has cost Him to prepare this table for me?
Here we commemorate the greatest and deepest demonstration of “true love” the world has ever known.
For God looked down upon sorrow, struggling, sinning humanity and was moved with compassion for the contrary, sheep-like creatures He had made. In spite of the tremendous personal cost it would entail to Himself to deliver them from their dilemma, He chose deliberately to descend and live among them that He might deliver them. This meant laying aside His splendor, His position, and His prerogatives as the perfect and faultless One. He knew He would be exposed to terrible privation, to ridicule, to false accusations, to rumors, gossip and malicious charges that branded Him as a glutton, drunkard, friend of sinners and even an imposter.
It entailed losing His reputation.
It would involve physical suffering, mental anguish and spiritual agony.
In short, His coming to earth as the Christ, as Jesus of Nazareth, was a straightforward case of utter self-sacrifice that culminated in the cross of Calvary.
The laid-down life, the poured-out blood were the supreme symbols of total selflessness.
This was love.
This was God.
This was divinity in action, delivering men from their own utter selfishness, their own stupidity; their own suicidal instincts as lost sheep unable t help themselves. In all of this there is an amazing mystery. No man will ever be able fully to fathom its implications. It is bound up inexorably with the concept of God’s divine love of self-sacrifice, which is so foreign to most of us who are self-centered.
At best we can only grasp feebly the incredible concept of a perfect person, a sinless one being willing actually to be made sin that we who are so full of faults, selfish self assertion and suspicion might be set free form sin and self to live a new, free, fresh, abundant life of righteousness.
Jesus told us Himself, that He had come that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
Just as the sheepman is thrilled beyond words to see his sheep thriving on the high, rich summer range, so my Shepherd is immensely pleased then He sees me flourish on the tablelands of a noble, lofty life that He has made possible for me. Part of the mystery and wonder of Calvary, of Gods’ love to us in Christ, is bound up too with deep desire of His heart to have me live on a higher plane. He longs to see me living above the mundane level of common humanity.
He is so pleased when I walk in the ways of holiness, of selflessness, of serene contentment in His care, aware of His presence and enjoying the intimacy of His companionship.
To live thus is to live richly.
To walk here is to walk with quiet assurance.
To feed here is to be replete with good things.
To find this tableland is to have found something of my Shepherd’s love for me.
Several years ago I was sitting in church when the pastor came to the pulpit and said that he was going to preach a sermon that he had preached some time ago. When he started, I knew exactly what he was going to talk about, so I closed my Bible and notebook. After receiving this revelation I now keep my notebook open.
As he was preaching, I don’t remember what he said, but I began to receive revelation about the table in this psalm.
Here is what that was revealed to me.
Image a long table, and this table is covered with a purple tablecloth with gold fringe. At the end of the table are two large purple chairs with gold trim.
On this table are the following items each with its symbolic meaning:
The first item is a large menorah, holding seven candles that are lit. This represents Jesus as the Light of the World.
There is a big picture of milk representing the sincere milk of the Word in Hebrews
There is also a huge piece of meat representing the strong meat of the Word in Hebrews
The next item is a large loaf of bread, representing Jesus as the Bread of Life.
On this table is also a large vial of oil, representing the Holy Spirit; the oil of joy, the oil of gladness, the oil of healing, the anointing.
There are nine large bowls overflowing with different kinds of fruit, each one representing the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5.
We will also find on this table a large pitcher of water, presenting the Word of God.
Next we find a gold cup of wine and a loaf of broken bread, representing the Lord’s Supper, our communion with Him.
The Lord is standing behind the large purple chair reserved for His guest, waiting to seat you at His table. He bids each one of us to come and partake of His table.
What do you need from Him today?
You can find what you need by just coming to His table.
In the Presence of My Enemies
Who are the Psalmist’s “enemies?”
Why should the Psalmist have enemies?
What is meant by Yahweh’s preparing a table for the Psalmist in the presence of his enemies?
Why does the Psalmist suggest that Yahweh would do such a thing?
I like what Webster’s Dictionary says about an enemy:
An enemy is person who hates, opposes, or fosters harmful designs against another.
An adversary, foe, or hater.
It can refer to an individual opponent or to a hostile force, either a nation or an army.
There are several Hebrew words are rendered “enemy” in the Old Testament:
“Tsar” means an “adversary, foe, oppressor, or enemy.” It comes from the verb “tsarar”, which means “to show hostility toward.”
An “’ohev” is “one who is hostile, an enemy or foe.”
The term “sane’” means, “one who hates.”
“Zur” is a “stranger, foreigner, or alien.”
One Greek term, “echthros”, is used for each of the Hebrew words in the New Testament. Its basic definition is simply “enemy.”
Enemy is also used to speak of one’s personal foes. This is especially true in the Psalms. David asked for help against his enemies on a number of occasions (Psalm 25:2; Psalm 25:19). Other poets in the Psalter often sought this same protection (Psalm 119:84; Psalm 119:86).
Satan is also called “the enemy” (1 Tim. 5:14-15). He has revealed himself as such throughout history by seeking to hurt men and women, leading them away from God.
The greatest and final enemy is death itself (1 Cor. 15:24). It is feared by all because of its finality and unknown nature. But the Bible teaches that Jesus has “abolished” death once for all (2 Tim. 1:10). Those who have trusted Christ for the salvation He freely gives need not fear death.
If you are a Christian, you have enemies. Satan hates you, opposes you, and fosters harmful designs against you. All the demons in hell hate you. The world system hates you.
People that hate you are just being used by Satan and his demons to express their hatred for you. Remember that in 2 Corinthians 10 that is says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places. They truly don’t know what is going on. James says that to love this world is to become and enemy of God.
Yet in the midst of our enemies surrounding us, God prepares a table before us in their presence.
Can you imagine a table like one I described above being prepared, this huge spread, and you are seated with the Lord at the table, and all around you your enemies are standing off in the distance watching this?
I wonder what they would be thinking! It probably wouldn’t be nice.
You Anoint My Head With Oil
This seems to contain another action of Yahweh. Not only does Yahweh prepare a table, but He also has anointed the Psalmist’s head with oil.“ Prepares” is in the present tense, whereas “hast anointed” is in the present perfect.
What is meant by “anointed?”
It describes the procedure of rubbing or smearing a person or thing, usually with oil, for the purpose of healing, setting apart, or embalming.
A person can anoint himself, be anointed, or anoint another person or thing.
What is oil?
Generally, it is olive oil whether pure or prepared for various uses such as perfume or ointment.
Oil is one of the symbols for the Anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Oil was used in a variety of ways in biblical times in the Ancient Near East.
Most often oil was use in the preparation of food, taking the place of animal fat. Oil was used with meal in the preparation of cakes, with honey, flour, and wine. (Numbers 11:8)(1 Kings 17:12-16)(Ezekiel 16:13)(Leviticus 2:1-4)(Revelation 6:6)
Oil was used as fuel for lamps, both in homes and in the Tabernacle and Temple. ((Matthew 25:3)(Exodus 25:6)
Oil was extensively used in religious ceremonies. The morning and evening sacrifices required, in addition to the lambs, a tenth of measure of fine flour and fourth of a hin of beaten oil. This oil, called “beaten oil”, was lighter and considered the best oil. Other cereal offering also required oil.
Oil was used during the offerings of purification from leprosy.
In the New Testament, oil was used to anoint a body in preparation for burial. (Matthew 26:12)
Since olive trees were found in abundance in Palestine, olive oil was also used as a commodity of trade. (1 Kings 5:11)(Ezekiel 27:17)
Oil was regarded as a symbol of honor, while virtue was compared to perfumed oil. (Song of Solomon 1:3)(Ecclesiastes 7:1)
The abundance of oil was a demonstration of blessing and prosperity. (Job 29:6)(Joel 2:24)
However, as a symbol of affluence, oil was also associated with the arrogance of the rich.
(Hebrew: “valley of oil”; KJV: “fat valley,” Isaiah 28:1, 4)
Oil was a symbol of joy and gladness (Psalm 45:7), and in time of sorrow, anointing with oil was not practiced. (2Samuel 14:2)
Several persons in the Old Testament we anointed with oil:
Kings: (1 Samuel 10:1)(1 Samuel 16:13)
Priests: (Leviticus 8:30)
Prophets: (1 Kings 19:16)
Some objects were also anointed in dedication to God; the tabernacle, and all its furnishings (Exodus 40:9-11); the shields of soldiers (2 Samuel 1:21; Isaiah 21:5); altars (Leviticus 8:10-11), and pillars (Genesis 35:14)
As medicine, oil or ointment was used in the treatment of wounds (Isaiah 1:6)(Luke 10:34).
Oil was used cosmetically as protection against the scorching sun or the dryness of the desert. (Ruth 3:3)(Ecclesiastes 9:8)
Why does Yahweh “anoint?”
The Hebrew word “mashach (noun, messiah) and the Greek verb “chrio (noun, christos) are translated “to anoint.”
From ancient times the priests and kings were ceremonially anointed as a sign of God’s power upon them. The act was imbued with an element of awe. This was done by pouring a horned filled with oil over the person’s head. Psalm 133 gives a picture of this. This was not like we do today. We usually put a dab of oil on our finger and touch the person’s forehead. The whole horn of oil is literally poured out on the person's head.
Even today we talk about people being “anointed by God “ for ministry. God anoints every Christian for a specific purpose. The gifts of Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 require an anointing by the Lord.
Why does He “anoint the head with oil?
Literally the head is the upper most part of the body considered to be the seat of life, but not the intellect and figuratively for first, top, or chief.
There are various uses of the word “head” that we will not get into. Check it out for yourself.
Because the head was the seat of life, value was placed on it. Injury to it was a chief form of defeating an enemy. Defeated warriors were often beheaded.
Conversely, blessing comes upon the head and therefore hands are laid on it. (Genesis 48:17; 49:26)
Anointing the head with oil symbolized prosperity and joy. (Psalm 23:5; Hebrews 1:9)
In the service of ordination of priests and dedication of priestly service, the head of the high priest was anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 16:32)
It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing an invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His sheep with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs, in heavenly fellowship with Him.
Here now the sheep are in a sublime setting on the high meadows; where there are clear running springs; where the forage is fresh and tender, where here is the intimate close contact with the shepherd; suddenly we find “a fly in the ointment,” so to speak. For in the terminology of the sheepman, “summertime is fly time.”
By this, reference is made to the hordes of insects that emerge with the advent of warm weather.
Only those people who have kept livestock or studied wildlife habits are aware of the serious problems for animal presented by insects in the summer.
To name a few parasites that trouble stock and make their lives a misery:
warble flies
bot flies
heel flies
nose (nasal) flies
deer flies
black flies
mosquitoes
gnats
Their attacks on animals can readily turn the golden summer months into a time of torture for sheep and drive them almost to distraction.
Sheep are especially troubled by the nose fly, or nasal fly. These flies buzz about the sheep’s head, attempting to deposit their eggs on the damp, mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. It they are successful the eggs will hatch in a few days to form small, slender, worm-like larvae.
They work their way to the nasal passages into the sheep’s head; they burrow into the flesh and there set up an intense irritation accompanied by severe inflammation.
For relief from this agonizing annoyance sheep will deliberately beat their heads against trees, rocks, posts, or brush. They will rub them in the soil and thrash around against woody growth.
In extreme cases of intense infestation a sheep may even kill itself in a frenzied endeavor to gain relief from the aggravation. Often advanced stages of infection from these flies will lead to blindness.
Because of all this, when the nose flies hover around the flock, some of the sheep become frantic with fear and panic in their attempt to escape their tormentors. They will stamp their feet erratically and flee from place to place in the pasture trying desperately to elude the flies. Some may run so much they will drop from sheer exhaustion. Others may toss their heads up and down for hours. They will hide in any bush or woodland that offers shelter. On some occasions they may refuse to graze in the open at all.
All this excitement and distraction has a devastating effect on the entire flock. Ewes and lambs rapidly lose condition and begin to drop in weight. Ewes will go off milking and their lambs will stop growing gainfully. Some sheep will be injured in their headlong rushes of panic. Others may be blinded. Some may even be killed outright.
Only the strictest attention to the behavior of the sheep by the shepherd can forestall the difficulties of “fly time.” At the very first sign of flies among the flock he will apply an antidote to their heads.
What an incredible transformation this makes among the sheep. Once the oil had been applied to the sheep’s head there is an immediate change in behavior. Gone is the aggravation, gone the frenzy; gone the irritability and the restlessness. Instead the sheep will start to feed quietly again, and soon lie down in peaceful contentment.
This is the exact picture of irritations in our own lives. How easy it is for there to be a fly in the ointment of even our most lofty spiritual experience. So often it is the small, petty annoyances that ruin our repose. It is the nagging distractions that become burning issues that can well nigh drive us round the bend or up the wall. At times some tiny, tantalizing thing torments us to the point where we feel we are just beating our brains out.
Our behavior as a child of God degenerates to a most disgraceful sort of frustrated tirade.
I was in a grocery store one time at the check line and there was this child, I would say about two years standing with his mother just throwing a temper tantrum. He was yelling, crying, and demanding that this mother get him this particular thing he wanted. As I was watching this, the Lord spoke to me and said this is how some of my children act, including me. If you think about it for a moment, we do. We throw a fit with the Lord because He won’t give us what we want or we don’t get out own way. How do react when someone irritates us?
There was an individual I worked with several years that I could not stand to be around. It seemed like his purpose in life was to irritate me. He would do things, on purpose, that would irritate the sap out of me. I would go into the back of the shipping container where I was working and tell the Lord that I really felt like taking my fist and shoving it down his throat. It wasn’t until I read this section about the irriations of the sheep that he was my “nasal fly.” That’s what I started calling him to myself. Everytime I saw him, I would just start laughing to myself. Over a period of time, I noticed that no matter what he did, my irritation with him was decreasing. It got to the point where no matter what he did; it did not irritate me like it use to.
Just as with the sheep there must be continuous and renewed application of oil to forestall the “flies” in our lives, there must be a continuous anointing of God’s gracious Spirit to counteract the ever-present aggravations of personality conflicts. It is a process that has to be repeated.
There are those who contend that in the Christian life one need only have a single, initial anointing of God’s Spirit. Yet the frustrations of daily dilemmas demonstrate that one must have Him come continuously to the troubled mind and heart to counteract the attacks of one’s tormentors. It is both a logical and legitimate desire for us to have the daily anointing of God’s gracious Spirit upon our minds.
God alone can form in us the mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit alone can give to us the attitudes of Christ. He alone makes it possible for us to respond to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness. When people or circumstances or events beyond our control tend to “bug” us, it is possible to be content and serene when these “outside” forces are counteracted by the presence of God’s Spirit. It is something that is not going to happen overnight. It takes a conscious awareness of what is going on and then making a conscious decision to respond and not react.
Several years ago I was driving on the interstate and somebody cut right in front of me and when he did I did not bless him. The Lord got on me about this and told me that I needed to change from reacting in anger to blessing people. My question was to Him, How do you do it? He gave me a passage of Scripture from Numbers 6:24-26 and I was to use that to bless others on the road. Well, the next time I got cut off, I spouted off the Scripture passage in anger, and I told the Lord that You know that I didn’t mean it. As I continued to pray this passage of Scripture, it eventually became my response instead of an angry reaction. I used this when working as a prayer counselor at CBN. People would curse at you and slam the phone down in your ear. So every time this happened I responded with this prayer of blessing regardless of whether they received it or not. Another prayer counselor beside me asked me what I was doing and I explained to her what the Lord told me to do, so she started doing it. Sometimes I slip up, but when I do, I make it a point to be extra aware of what is going on and pray this passage over people.
It is this daily anointing of God’s gracious Spirit upon our minds which produces in our lives such personality traits as joy, contentment, love, patience, gentleness, and peace. What a contrast this is to the tempers, frustration, and irritableness, which mar the daily conduct of so many of God’s children. What I do in any given situation is to expose it to my Master, my Owner, Christ Jesus, and simply ask for His help.
Summertime for the sheep is more that just fly time. It is also “scab-time.” Scab is an irritating and highly contagious disease common among sheep the world over. Sheep love to rub heads in an affectionate and friendly manner. When two sheep rub together the infection spreads readily from one to another.
In the Christian life, most of our contamination by the world, by sin, by that which would defile and disease us spiritually comes through our minds. It is a case of mind meeting mind to transmit ideas, concepts and attitudes that may be damaging.
Often it is when we “get our heads together” with someone else who may not necessarily have the mind of Christ, that we come away imbued with concepts that are not Christian. Our thoughts, our ideas, our emotions, our choices, our impulses, drives and desires are all shaped and molded through the exposure of our minds to others people’s, minds. One cannot be exposed to such contacts without coming away contaminated. I have been come into contact with a few of these and have “butted heads” with them.
The only possible, practical path to attaining such a mind free of the world’s contamination is to be conscious daily, hourly of the purging presence of God’s Holy Spirit to our minds. There are those who seem unable to realize His control of their minds and thoughts. It is a simple matter of faith and acceptance.
Just as one asks Christ to come into the life initially to assure complete control of one’s conscious and subconscious mind to monitor one’s thought-life. After believing, accepting with thanks the anointing of His gracious Spirit upon our minds, we simply proceed to live and act and think as He directs us.
The difficulty is that some of us are not in dead earnest about it. Like stubborn sheep we will struggle, kick, and protest when the Master puts His hand upon us for this purpose. Even if it is for our own good, we still rebel and refuse to have Him help us when we need it so desperately.
In a sense we are a stiff-necked lot and were it not for Christ’s continuing compassion and concern for us, most of us would be beyond hope or help. Sometimes I am quite sure Christ comes to us and applies the oil of His own Spirit to our minds in spite of our own objections.
Were this not so, where would most of us be?
As summer moves into autumn, there are subtle changes in the flock.
This is the season or the rut, of mating, of great battles between the rams for possession of the ewes. They strut proudly across the pastures and fight furiously for the favor of the ewes.
The shepherd knows all about this. He knows that some of the sheep will can actually kill, injure and main each other in these deadly combats. At this season of the year he will catch his rams and smear their heads with grease. The lubricant will make them glance off each other.
Among God’s people there is a considerable amount of knocking each other. Somehow if we don’t see eye to eye with the other person, we persist in trying to assert ourselves and become “top sheep.” A good many become badly bruised and hurt this way. Much of the grief, the wounds, the hurts, the ill will, the unforgiving things in people’s lives can usually be traced back to old rivalries or jealousies or battles that had broken out between believers. Scores of skeptical souls will never enter a church simply because way back into their experience someone had battered them badly.
To forestall and prevent this sort of thing from happening among His people our Shepherd loves to apply the precious ointment of the presence of His gracious Spirit to our lives. It will be recalled that just before His crucifixion, our Lord in dealing with His twelve disciples, who, even then, were caught up in jealous bickering and rivalry for prestige, told of the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth.
He said, they would know peace. He went on to say that His people would be known everywhere for their love for one another.
But too often this simply is not true among God’s own people. They hammer and knock each other, stiff-necked with pride and self-assertion. They are intolerant, dogmatic and uncharitable with other Christians. Yet when the gracious Holy Spirit invades a man or woman, when He enters that life and is in control of the personality, the attributes of peace, joy, longsuffering and generosity become apparent.
It is then that suddenly one becomes aware of how ridiculous are all the petty jealousies, rivalries, and animosities which formerly motivated their absurd assertions. This is to come to a place of contentment in the Shepherd’s care. It is then the cup of contentment that becomes real in the life.
MY CUP OVERFLOWS
The cup was a drinking vessel made of pottery or various metals such as gold, silver, or bronze. During biblical times cups came in two different forms. Some resembled their modern counterparts. However, most ancient cups were shallow bowls which were produced in a multitude of sizes.
In addition, the term cup was used to designate the receptacles for holding lamps on the lampstand of the tabernacle.
In the Bible, the word “cup” frequently is used in a figurative sense. The contents of the cup are accentuated, since symbolically God serves the drink.
Thus the cup might represent blessings or prosperity for a righteous person. (Psalm 16:5; 23:5; 116:13)
Likewise, it portrayed the totality of divine judgment on the wicked. ((Psalm 16:5; 75:8)(Isaiah 51:17, 22)
Jesus voluntarily drank the cup of suffering. (Matthew 20:22)(Matthew 26:39, 42) For Jesus that cup was His death and everything that it involved.
The cup had a prominent place in the liturgy of the Jewish Passover meal, and so, subsequently, in the Lord’s Supper. In the Christian ordinance the cup is a symbolic reminder of the atoning death of Jesus. (Matthew 26:27-28)(Mark 14:23-24)
As the children of God, the sheep in the Divine Shepherd’s care, we should be known as the most contented people on earth.
A quiet, restful contentment should be the hallmark of those who call Christ their Master. If He is the One who has all the knowledge and wisdom and understanding of my affairs and management; If He is able to cope with every situation, good or bad, that I encounter, then surely I should be satisfied with His care.
In a wonderful way my cup, or my lot in life, is a happy one that overflows with benefits of all sorts. The trouble is most of us don’t see if this way. Especially when troubles or disappointments come along, we are apt to feel forgotten by our Shepherd. We act as though He had fallen down on the job.
Actually He is never asleep.
He is never lax or careless.
He is never indifferent to our well being.
Our Shepherd always has our best interests in mind. Because of this we are actually under obligation to be a thankful, grateful, appreciative people. The New Testament instructs us clearly to grasp the idea that the cup of our life is full and overflowing with good, with the life of Christ Himself and with the presence of His gracious Spirit.
Because of this we should be joyous, grateful, and serene.
This is the overcoming Christian life.
It is the life in which a Christian can be content with whatever comes his way, even trouble.
Most of us are glad when things go well.
How many of us can give thanks when things go wrong?
Several years ago I was on my way to another state where we going to do a short term missions trip. As my friend and I were driving down the interstate, we were just enjoying the ride. Eventually we stopped at a gas station and noticed that my luggage on back of the truck was missing. Somewhere the suitcase had slipped out of the ropes that tied to the material we were carrying. After few moments, and deciding not to backtrack to try and find it, we continued on our way. I turned to my friend and, “You know, in 1 Thessalonians 5 if says to give thanks in everything. So Lord I thank you.” When we arrived to where we were going I shared with the others there what had happened. When we took a break from the Vacation Bible School we were doing, one of the parents came up to me and ask me to tell him what happened. I explained to him that somewhere the suitcase slipped out of the ropes, and that I thanked the Lord. He went away shaking his head and said that if that had happened to him he would have been mad.
Looking again at the round of the year through which the sheep pass in the shepherd’s care, we see summer moving into autumn. The autumn days can be golden under Indian summer weather. The sheep have respite now from flies and insects and scab. No other season finds them so fit and well and strong.
No wonder David wrote, “My cup runneth over.”
There is another aspect of the meaning of a cup that overflows.
There is in every life a cup of suffering.
Jesus Christ referred to His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and at Calvary as His cup. Had it not overflowed with His life poured out for men, we would have perished.
What a picture of my Master, sharing the wine, the very life blood of His own suffering from His overflowing cup poured out at Calvary for me.
He is there with me in every storm.
My Shepherd is alert to every approaching disaster that threatens His people.
He has been through the storms of suffering before.
He bore our sorrows and was acquainted with our grief. (Isaiah 53)
No matter what storms I face, His very life and strength and vitality is poured into mine.
It overflows so the cup of my life runs over with His life, often with great blessing and benefit to others who see me stand up so well in the midst of trials and suffering.
What about you?
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