THE LOVE OF A SHEPHERD
A full and complete understanding of God’s love would change the world and the church! This is not a particularly profound statement. In fact, God’s love has been at the core of our faith for centuries. His love was the catalyst for creation and the reason for His repeated protection and provision for His people. His love was most definitely the sole reason for sending Jesus to be our rescuer, savior and redeemer.
A deeper dive into Psalms 23 provides us a window into the true heart of God in so many ways. The depth of love, care and protection that a shepherd has for his sheep is humbling, overwhelming and somewhat difficult for us to comprehend.
Jesus called Himself our Good Shepherd which gives us a clear parallel with what we read in Psalms 23. All of Psalms 23 was written by David from the perspective of the Lord being his Shepherd. This is clearly stated in the first sentence of verse 1, “The Lord IS MY Shepherd….”. We too can read Psalms 23 from the same point of view if we have made Jesus our Shepherd. Making Him our Shepherd, requires just one thing… a willingness to follow.
1)The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Verse 1, He has and does provide for our every need, and we need not look elsewhere. The grass is not actually greener on the other side despite how it may appear!
Verse 2, He provides a perfect environment for us to rest in green pastures and drink from pools of pure living water. We can have this peacefulness by being content with His plan and purpose.
Verse 3, He freely gives restoration to our soul in times of distress and weariness and we can always trust Him to lead us on the right path. Remember, walking the right path requires a willingness to follow our Good Shepherd, Jesus.
Verse 4, Dark valleys….. We experience them. This verse is a powerful declaration, that even in the valleys, God is there. He will do great things that will get us through them! We need not live there, nor get lost in the valley. You see, the valley is only the pathway for our journey to the highlands. On these journeys we experience the intense love, care and protection of the Shepherd which in turn builds our faith and trust in Him!
Verse 5 is a bold declaration of God’s blessing for His people, no matter the efforts of the enemy. God has no rival!
Verse 6 is a mighty statement of complete confidence that goodness and mercy will be a daily experience with the Lord as my Shepherd!
The highlands await!
Jon Gould, Middle School Youth Director
