Loving the Shepherd
Introduction
Psalm 23 is probably the best known of all the songs in the Bible’s song book. Although it is often used at funerals, it is actually a psalm for the living. It is a Psalm for us to apply to the busyness of our everyday lives. Psalm 23 is a psalm of privilege – the privilege of being in the family of God. It speaks of what God does for his people. King David, who wrote this psalm, is not praying here; he is not even addressing God. David is simply rejoicing in what the LORD – his Shepherd – has done and continues to do in his life. His love for the Shepherd shines through this psalm. So let’s look at the four scenes in this psalm – scenes that hopefully will help us know and love the Shepherd more.
Scene 1 – Green pastures and quiet waters
Read Psalm 23:1-3(Note: The readings in this devotion are from the ESV translation.)
- The word translated LORD here is Yahweh, the personal name of God. What amazing relationship does David claim in verse 1? Can you claim this relationship? Read John 10:11. Who is our shepherd?
- Think of words that describe the opening scene of this psalm. (vs 2 and 3).
David is saying that the sovereign Lord of the universe has taken up the menial task of shepherding him. And being a shepherd definitely was a lowly job! Yet Jesus declares that he is the ‘good Shepherd’. He leads and cares and provides for his sheep. He even lays down his life for them. I can think of no better reason to love him!
Scene 2 – The darkest valley
- Why is Jesus qualified to lead us through the darkest valley – the valley of the shadow of death?
- Shepherds would carry a rod or cudgel to ward off any dangerous animal that might try to attack their sheep, and a staff or crook to bring them back onto the track if they strayed. How can these analogies bring us comfort?
The loving Shepherd is there in the green pastures; he is there beside the still waters. And the same loving Shepherd is there in the darkest valley. He is with us, so we don’t need to fear anything evil. What a great reason to love him!
Scene 3 – The king’s table
- Now we are taken from the valley of the shadow of death to the table of the king. Describe the scene in verse 5.
Here King David is saying that the Shepherd is also the bountiful host. He prepares a feast just for us; he anoints us with the oil of joy. His cup of blessing is so great that it is not just filled with the choicest wine – it is overflowing. And all this is taking place while our enemies surround us – scoffing and taunting and making life difficult. Yet we can sing and dance with joy, because the Shepherd is with us and is blessing us abundantly. Let’s love him lavishly!
Scene 4 – With the Lord forever
- What does this verse tell us about the character of the Shepherd? (Note: the word ‘follow’ is literally ‘pursue’).
- What is the great promise at the end of this verse?
The heart our Shepherd is overflowing with kindness and goodness and love. He is running after us to shower his blessings upon us. We don’t deserve his mercy; we don’t deserve his grace – but he gives them freely to us. If we trust him, we will live with him forever!
“Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (Isaac Watts)!
Praise God with songs of the Shepherd!
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Stuart Townend); Shepherd (CityAlight); The Good Shepherd (Tommy Walker).