The Text (Psalm 23)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even 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 overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
An Insight
This week’s meditation is based on probably the most well-loved passage in the entire Bible. Psalm 23 beautifully develops a common metaphor in Scripture of God as the shepherd of his people.[1] As its imagery unfolds, three major themes emerge. In the opening line, the psalmist (identified as David) celebrates God’s provision. The LORD is his shepherd, and therefore he lacks nothing, just as a sheep led to pasture and water lacks nothing. Verse four celebrates God’s protection. Following him does not guarantee an easy path, but it does guarantee his comfort and strength so that there is nothing to truly fear. The psalm also celebrates God’s abundance. The one who follows the LORD has a cup that is not only full but overflows. Goodness and mercy are not temporary or sporadic but lifelong companions. The house of the LORD is the psalmist’s forever home. In six short verses, this psalm beautifully and powerfully shows us that those who follow the LORD know the meaning of an abundant and full life.
A Timeless Principle
God remains the faithful and loving shepherd of his people. The New Testament embraces this truth and takes it a step further by identifying specifically Jesus as the shepherd of God’s people. Jesus is the good shepherd who leads his sheep with his voice, provides them with pasture, and even lays his life down for them.[2] The provision, protection, and abundance of God that Psalm 23 celebrates all find their fullest expression in him. He has assured us that every need of those who seek his kingdom will be met.[3] No one can snatch us out of his hand, and he will never leave us or forsake us.[4] The apostle Paul even says that every spiritual blessing is found in Jesus.[5] His followers can know even more deeply than David what it means for the Lord to be their shepherd.
Living the Text
Many voices will call for our attention today. Some may call us to be suspicious and fearful of our neighbors, others to anger and resentment, others to live only for ourselves, or others to any number of distractions. The voice of our shepherd will also call for our attention today. He will offer the same provision, protection, and abundance that he offered David and has offered all his flock for all time. The other voices often promise the same things, but Scripture and experience teach us that they cannot deliver. Only the Lord can. Today, let’s be attentive to his lead and trust him to make good on his promises. A day spent following the shepherd’s voice may not look too different from any other day on the surface, but it can be lived with the inner assurance that we shall not be in want, that our cup overflows, and that we too will one day dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Son, our good shepherd. Help us discern his voice from the other voices calling for our attention and allegiance today. Grant us to follow him in faith, whether that be by still waters or through the valleys of death. Teach us to walk in peace and security, fearing no evil. We eagerly await the wonderful feast prepared in your house, where we will celebrate with you forever.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
[1] See also Psalm 78:52; 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10.
[2] John 10:1–18, 27–30. See also 1 Pet 2:24–25; 5:4; Heb 13:20.
[3] Matthew 6:33.
[4] John 10:28; Matthew 28:20.
[5] Ephesians 1:3.
