At a very recent Bible study our overseeing Pastor Androulla Slaven taught us the beautiful meaning of PSALM 23. Its not exactly how she told it but near enough. Although she told it with more passion and conviction. THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD David, himself a former shepherd, begins this Psalm with, “The Lord is my shepherd,” immediately putting himself as a sheep in the care of Jesus Christ (who is the same being as the Lord of the Old Testament-see John 1:1-3, 14 and Heb. 1:2). This analogy of Christ as a shepherd and His chosen ones as sheep, is reinforced in several scriptures, especially in John 10, John 21:15-17 and Hebrews 13:20. The shepherd is the provider and protector of his flock. The sheep are helpless without him. Similarly, human existence is but a sinful, carnal experience without God in our lives (John 5:30; Rom. 8:6-11). I SHALL NOT WANT ” David indicates here that as a sheep in Christ’s care, he was confident that he would lack nothing. This sentiment is repeated in Psalms 34:9-10, and clearly indicates David’s understanding in regards to putting God and God’s way first in his life (see Matthew 6:25-34). In God you will not want for anything that you may need. HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES HE LEADS ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS Here David explains Both the “green pastures” and “still waters” indicate a blessed abundance, further illustrating the benefits of a God-led life. HE RESTORES MY SOUL David understood that he was a sinner, but also that Christ had redeemed him and would continue to restore him upon repentance. Psalm:51 is a good example showing David’s understanding of repentance and forgiveness. HE LEADS ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAMES SAKE Indicating that it is Christ’s example that we are to follow, and that it to God’s glory when we obey. Yet is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ in us, that we are even able to do so (Gal. 2:20; Phil. 4:13). In Psalm 119:172, David defines righteousness as, “…all Your commandments are righteousness.” From personal experience, David knew that occasionally the shepherd had to lead his flock through treacherous terrain, and so he writes (as the sheep), YEA THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. Note the word Shadow....a shadow cannot harm you so fear not...it is not a real valley of death. David is speaking in terms of what he may have to go through in his life, trials, painful times etc. LINE 8 - I WILL FEAR NO EVIL LINE 9 -FOR YOU ARE WITH ME LINE 10 - YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF THEY COMFORT ME Again, David had complete trust and confidence in God and His way—He had no fear, even in the “shadow of death.” He knows that God is always with him and that he has Gods protection. The rod and staff are the shepherd’s tools, and are used to guide and correct the path of the sheep. Just like God pulls us back in and disciplines us. When a Shepherd has a very unruly straying sheep within his flock, he would break the little lambs leg to stop it wandering off and then bind it to heal it and place the lamb over his shoulders and around his neck. By doing this although it may sound cruel the little Lamb will grow accustomed to his masters voice and once his leg is healed and he is put back onto the ground he will follow as he is commanded to do. The Shepherds Rod....is used to beat anything down that may attack the sheep...Wolves, Foxes etc The Shepherds Staff is used to pull the straying sheep back into the herd...hooked round their neck so they cannot escape. Scripture states this. King James Bible-JOHN 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: This comforted David. Paul indicates in II Timothy 1:7 that this mindset comes only from God: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Even among his enemies, David had complete confidence: YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL MY CUP RUNS OVER He understood the promises of blessings and protections (Eph. 3:20; Luke 11:9-13; compare though with James 4:1-3). In conclusion, David knew that as long as he would follow Christ, he was in the safest hands possible and that he had Gods protection at all times. He anoints us when we seek him in prayer and worship. A shepherd would anoint his lambs with oil as a protection against the flies that would burrow into their skulls to drive them crazy. The Lord God protects us at every turn. SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE in this passage David is once again looking forward to reigning (again as King of Israel; see Ezek. 34:23-24) in the kingdom of God. AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER. David is quoting scriptural promise here. Summary The Lord is my Shepherd -- That involves a one-on-one relationship, as an individual...You and God -not just a number in a flock! I shall not want -- Thats the source for your needs: your Shepherd supplies the way, truth and the life! Just ask Him. He makes me to lie down in green pastures -- Thats splendid contentment -- plenty of rest! He leads me beside the still waters -- Thats cool, peaceful refreshment which bring peace. He restores my soul -- Thats provision for revitalization and healing! Healing from the hurts others have inflicted upon you following prayer. He leads me in the paths of righteousness -- Thats leadership and guidance in following Gods will! For His name sake -- That gives a higher purpose for your Life. God is in control. Ask Jesus to take the wheel. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death -- Thats about testing in the darkest valley, even through death! I will fear no evil -- Thats knowing you are protected even at your lowest hour! For You are with me -- Thats the constant faithfulness of The Shepherd! Your rod and your staff they comfort me -- Thats Gods protection against the enemies! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies -- Thats assurance of support and hope in danger! You anoint my head with oil -- Thats care, dedication and consecration! My cup runs over -- Thats His abundance flowing to you and out to others! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life -- Thats the blessing and power of grace, through faith remembering God is Love, not just words! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -- Thats home and security in the Lords provision! Forever. -- Thats now and always -- eternity!
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 20:23:02 +0000
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