“The Lord IS my Shepherd…” Psalm 23:1
Dear Ones:
Have you ever noticed in David’s writings, especially as revealed in the Psalms, the two phrases where he says, “…The Lord IS…,” and “The Lord is MY..?” Over and over again he uses these two phrases to declare what God IS according to the truth of the revelation to his heart, as revealed in the word of God. We notice also that David always goes a step further, beyond the knowledge of that which is true, to believe God according to it. He makes that which is true of God to be his very own by faith. One example of this is when he writes, “The Lord IS my Shepherd.” He says this because Christ IS a shepherd to us, and we are His sheep. This is a fact, and is revealed both in the Old and New Testaments. But again, David is not content just knowing that Christ is the Shepherd. He desires to know Him as such, declaring, “He is MY Shepherd…,” to be trusted individually, and personally, without reserve, followed without question. Why is it that, when we look at Psalm 23, we are faced with perhaps the most complete, and sufficient basis for faith, that both child and adult can use it to live by, and know God? The answer lies in two things, the knowledge of the truth about God, or of God, and then, the appropriation of that truth, by making it one’s own by faith.
In our consideration of this Psalm, or “manifesto of faith”, we begin by climbing up to, and upon a rock…that Eternal Rock, Christ Himself. It will be upon Him alone that the entire weight of our existence will rest, this by a deliberate choice of our own, and uniquely by the grace of God. This Eternal Rock is such because of His unchanging, eternal character, and faithfulness, to BE and to DO exactly as He declares. With the revelation of Himself to the heart of the individual, the call comes forth to trust Him fully. So, David begins this “song” by declaring WHO the Lord IS in truth, the basis for trust. He is a Shepherd, but not any shepherd. Scripture calls Him “good,” the Chief shepherd. There is nothing about Him that is not good, nor less than sovereign in power and authority. David takes his position upon this Rock, this Shepherd, to trust Him fully, believing Him without reserve to be exactly, and wholly, according to the truth of the revelation of Christ to his own heart. There will now flow from this relationship an expected, and realized, experience of communion with the Shepherd.
David goes on to write of this anticipated experience: “I shall not want.” This is possible because God has provided ALL in Christ, to meet every need. The Apostle Paul would later write: “…and my God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)
David continues: “He makes me to lie down in green pastures.” The first thing the Shepherd gives to his sheep is that quiet, restful assurance of the Life that is found in Christ. It is a rest of soul that only Jesus can give. The psalmist then speaks of “still waters,” beside which the Shepherd leads His sheep. Over and over in Scripture, we find that God is a God of peace, giving to His own peace that passes understanding. That peace resembles the blessed calm of waters that are still, where the impressions of the voice of God can be known and heard. It is there, with the knowledge and experience of this peace, rest, and calm, that the Shepherd “restores the soul.” In a context of spiritual conflict, opposition to the truth, an opposing enemy, and very defined limitations, the Shepherd lifts the believer’s soul and heart up, strengthening and encouraging him, inspiring him to rise again and again, going higher and higher, to a greater, deeper, and more satisfying communion with Christ, our Shepherd.
Dear Father, Give us grace to know the truth of our Shepherd, taking Him by faith to be our all, in every place, at all times. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad