Psalm 23, authored by King David is widely known among Christians and one of the most referenced. Today we are going to dissect it and go into deep to receive the message God has put into my heart through my favorite Psalm. Psalm 23 is a poem of full trust and rest in God.
v.1: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
David who once was a shepherd himself and knows firsthand what the role of a shepherd is, starts stating that God is his shepherd. What does it mean? It means that we are guarded and protected by God just like sheep are by their shepherd. A shepherd also makes sure the sheep are fed and have water, because he knows and understands their needs. The same way, God takes care of us providing and taking care of our necessities, meeting all our needs.
v. 2: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Just like the sheep can relax knowing that the shepherd will protect them will lead them to no harm, we can rest assured that God will not lead us to danger or let anything happen to us. We can feel comfortable following God for He will take care of us. If we follow Him he will lead us to a peaceful state.Also, green pastures represent abundance, God’s faithful provision.
v. 3: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”
If we let God lead us we will not dwell in sin, because of whom He is and who we are to Him. Even through hardship we can be restored through Him.
v. 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Shepherds used rod and staff to lead, guide and protect their herd, so the sheep were safe. In the same manner we are guided, led and protected by God so we have no reason to be afraid. In every circumstance, He is there with us. He guards us from hardship, trial and evil, how can we fear?
v. 5: “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
God blesses us abundantly with everything that we need and shames our oppressors by showering us with love and giving us special privileges, just like in David’s time a special guest was anointed with oil. We do not deserve this kind of treatment, because we cannot earn it, but God’s mercy is endless.
v. 6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
God’s pact to be loyal to us, love us and protect us is real, as is the promise to dwell in his kingdom.
Now, there are other messages subtly written between the lines. The Psalm foresees Jesus (The Good Shepherd of John 10 and the King of Luke 23:2). In ancient times, kings were compared to shepherds because they led and took care of their people. So we see how the king /shepherd (Jesus) lavishes us with a feast (verse 5) in front of our adversaries (the devil). He anointed us with oil (chooses us and marks us as special giving his life in redemptive gift) humiliating Satan (defeating Satan) and reconciling us with God so we can “dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (verse 6).
So, the issue is: Are we letting Jesus shepherd us?
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