Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “The LORD is my shepherd, I have everything I need. 2 HE lets me rest in green meadows; HE leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 HE renews my strength. HE guides me along right paths, bringing honor to HIS name.” ~ Psalm 23:1-3
In describing the LORD as a shepherd, David wrote of his own experience because he spent his early years caring for sheep. – 10 “In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The LORD has not chosen any of these’. 11 Then Samuel asked, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest’, Jesse replied. ‘But he is out in the fields watching the sheep.’ ‘Send for him at once’, Samuel said. ‘We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.’” – 1 Samuel 16:10-11 – Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the Good Shepherd – “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” – John 10:11. – He is called the Great Shepherd – 20-21 “And now, may the GOD of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing HIS will. May HE produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to HIM. Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with His blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21 – And He is called the Head Shepherd – “And when the Head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in His glory and honor.” – 1 Peter 5:4
As the Lord is the Good Shepherd, so we are His sheep, not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us to the right places, and in right ways. The focus of this psalm is not the animal-like qualities, but the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When we allow GOD, our SHEPHERD, to guide us, we have contentment. When we choose to sin and go our own way, however, we cannot blame GOD for the environment we create for ourselves. Our Shepherd knows the “green meadows” and “peaceful streams” that will restore us. We will reach these places only by following HIM obediently. Rebelling against the Shepherd’s leading is actually rebelling against our own best interest. We must remember this the next time we are tempted to go our own way rather than the Shepherd’s way.
“Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for YOU are with me. YOUR rod and YOUR staff protect and comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 – Death casts a frightening shadow over us because we are entirely helpless in its presence. We can struggle with other enemies – pain, suffering, disease, injury – but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark and unknown valley and bring us safely to the other side – the GOD of life – our SHEPHERD. Because life is uncertain, we should follow this Shepherd who offers us eternal comfort. 5 “YOU prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. YOU welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalm 23:5-6 – In ancient Eastern culture, at a banquet it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil as a lotion. Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs. GOD offers the protection of a host even when enemies surround us. In the final scene of the psalm, we can see that believers will dwell with GOD. GOD, the perfect SHEPHERD and HOST promises to guide us and protect us throughout our life and bring us safely into HIS house – forever! HALLELUJAH!
Will you recognize the Good Shepherd? Will you follow Him?
LORD, YOU are our shepherd, we have everything we need. YOU let us rest in green meadows; YOU leads us beside peaceful streams. YOU renew our strength. YOU guide us along right paths, bringing honor to YOUR name. Even when we walk through the dark valley of death, we will not be afraid, for YOU, Father GOD are with us. YOUR rod and YOUR staff protect and comfort us. YOU have prepared a feast for us in the presence of our enemies. YOU welcome us as a guest, anointing our head with oil. Our cup overflows with blessings. Surely goodness and unfailing love will pursue us all the days of our lives, and we will live in the house of the LORD forever.
And now, may the GOD of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip us with all we need for doing HIS will. May HE produce in us, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to HIM. Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with His blood. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Photo: Kootenai Falls (Montana)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
