“…for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.” Philippians 4:11,12
Dear Ones:
In Psalm 23, David makes a most extraordinary declaration: “The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not want.” (v.1) We might think that this is a very simplistic statement, but it goes far deeper than we can imagine. He begins by declaring the truth of a relationship with God, with Christ. In declaring that He is the Lord, his Lord, he is affirming that he belongs to Christ, and that, wholly. He is also revealing that this Shepherd is the Almighty God, the Lord of heaven and earth, our Maker, Redeemer, and Sustainer in life. He is also that one who provides for his sheep in their helplessness, and most extraordinary limitations. How could One so great, mighty, wise, tender and loving, have anything to do with sheep? There are two words that come to mind: Love and Righteousness. The Almighty, as He declared in the writings of Jeremiah, has set his love upon His sheep, those that belong to Him. As Creator and Redeemer, and this declared by the covenants that He has made with men, God has deemed it the “right” thing to do in His eyes, to love and care for His sheep. He has made Himself to be their Shepherd, the true Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep, provides for them, leads and protects them, bringing them to home, and final destination, safe and secure. This is the Shepherd, the provider who possesses heaven and heart. Is there anything too hard for Him, and are not His resources sufficient for the meeting of every need? What about His covenant promises, and the truthful declarations by His servants, the apostles, who have proved the promises?
The basis for believing God to be the One who is our resource for Life, and all that pertains to this life, is found in the Psalmist’s declaration: “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: Thou maintainest my lot.” (16:5) The Lord Jesus, in addressing His disciples, concerning seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, concludes by saying: “…and all these things shall be added unto you.” He is speaking of that which is needful, clothing, food, and in some cases, “…houses and lands.” The Lord makes it clear that His provision for us, from a material standpoint, may not be great wealth, or riches. We see this in the Lord Jesus’ example, where He had “…no house nor home,” soon after He began His ministry. But, we find that the Father provided very much more, and of an eternal nature, with regard to the blessing that Christ showered upon those around Him, and upon us today. Sadly, we are so occupied with the physical that we forget the greater provision of God, all that is good, and in particular, Himself, by the Holy Spirit. The Father has blessed the believer with “…all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3) Paul writes to the Colossian believers, “…For in Him (Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” (2:9-10) Here is blessing indeed, all that is in Christ, by the Spirit of God, for the glory of God. Yes, “…God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” both physical and spiritual. (Phil. 4:19) Complete in Christ, seated with Him in heavenly places, in an inseparable union with Him, God reveals to us the unsearchable riches in Christ, so that in receiving of His bounty of Life by the Spirit, and the resources that He puts at our disposition, we might do as the Lord Jesus always did, going about doing good, serving others.
On earth, the Lord Jesus was poor, and yet, He was the King Eternal. He promised to the poor and needy, “…I the Lord will hear them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” (Is. 41:17) God answers the one who calls.
Dear Father, Satisfy us early with Thy mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad