Psalm 23 –
the latter half
The claim of
faith in verse one covers all situations – “I shall not want” . Then the song
gives detail of the shepherd meeting the
needs of his flock.
I would like
to continue from my previous article, giving the application to our great
Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In verse 4 , we see the treasure of His
presence. As Moses said “If thy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence.”
This indeed makes life worth living, to have the LORD with us.
Added to the
power of His presence is the comfort that he carries the shepherd’s‘tools of
trade’ to be effective in the dark valley. The rod and staff give assurance of
His protection of the sheep and His ability to control and restore the sheep.
Just to remember the Lord Jesus dealing with the enemy in His life on earth is
comforting, but to know He has been given all authority for today is even
better. In the valley experiences of life we can trust Him.
There are
enemies. Just as David risked his life to rescue the sheep from the lion, so
our Lord Jesus Christ well understands the enemy of our souls. He able to keep.
But He is more interested in providing
good wholesome food to strengthen the sheep – “a table spread in the presence
of mine enemies” . We do well to feed regularly at the table of His providing
so as to nourish our souls and spirits. Let us not despise the heavenly manna(
as Israel did). Rather let us show gratitude to the giver by eating thankfully
of the word of God.
“You anoint my
head with oil” – the little booklet ‘Song of the Syrian Guest’, indicates that
at the end of the day, the sheep are counted in and checked for scratches and
wounds. It is to these wounds that the shepherd applies the healing balm of
olive oil.
After a hot
dusty day, the Shepherd gives each sheep refreshment from an overflowing cup.
The still waters mentioned earlier in the Psalm were essential, but now the
refreshment from the overflowing cup is quite personal.
Now at the
end of the song, we have the summary of the Shepherd’s care :
“Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
The Shepherd
is faithful and consistent in His goodness and abiding love. Not like an hireling who is only in it for
himself. The Shepherd loves the sheep and He loves them unto the end.
The last line
of this psalm is special. Instead of the Shepherd leaving the sheep in the
sheepfold, He brings them into His dwelling place. This sounds like John 14:1-6
: “I go to prepare a place for you, and
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to Myself,
that where I am you may be also.”
It is our
privilege to enjoy the Lord’s presence now, but oh how much greater it will be
to one day bow at His feet in worship, to look upon His brilliant face and be
transformed into His likeness!
Note: Much
of this Psalm relates to the experiences of David who became the King of
Israel. That interpretation is very helpful. I have as a matter of brevity gone
directly to the Messianic application of Jesus the great shepherd of the sheep
as detailed in the New Testament. May you be blessed by spending much time
walking with HIM.
johnmckee@internode.on.net
Perhaps you would this Psalm as a wall plaque or one to stand on a sideboard. Send me an email as we make these to give away.
John
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