“Songs of Messiah—The Shepherd” (Part 2)

We are now in the second of three weeks where we are examining the trilogy of messianic psalms found in the Hebrew hymnal—the book of Psalms. Last week we considered Psalm 22, and saw Christ the sacrifice. This week have moved to Psalm 23. On Monday we looked at our Shepherd’s provision, and today we see…

His Full Protection (vv.4-5)

That description of His provision now leads to the thought of His protection. The promise of protection is a recognition that there is danger in the world that we cannot take on personally. We are desperately inadequate to handle the dangers of life—just like those helpless sheep were easy prey for whatever scavenging animals might attack, were it not for the presence of the Shepherd!

Causes for Fear (v.4a)- what do we fear?

• The valley of the shadow of death- How important it is to remember that this is as much a part of the right paths as the green pastures are! His presence is the overriding comfort in the darkness, and it responds to the worst thing that remains- our fear! (2 Tim 1:7). The phrase “shadow of death” is the translation of one Hebrew word (salmawet) which occurs 20 times in the Old Testament. The strength of the word, however, is not figurative (as in “shadow”) but REAL (as in “death”). Again, here, David argues from the greater to the lesser—what is it that we fear more than death? Not much! If He can protect us from death, He can protect us from everything else, too! The wonderful truth is that He alone is able to deliver us and protect is from the power death—because He is life, and He gives life (John 1,11). By the power of the resurrection, He has taken the sting out of death, and we need fear no more!
• Evil- Evil surrounds us as a condition of the fallen world in which we live. It is a fallen world temporarily dominated by the Evil One. But we can have confidence in the face of evil—or even the Evil One—because “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!” Evil is real and must be resisted, but the glory and power of the living God far surpasses the strength and influence of our spiritual enemy.

Causes for Courage (v.4b)

• The Presence of God- the promises we have from God are great! “For You are with me!” It compares to other great promises in the Word—all of which are equally reliable…

1. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world
2. I will never leave you or forsake you
3. I will not leave you comfortless
4. I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10)

That wonderful Presence matters so much because (2 Cor. 1) He is the “God of all comfort.” Notice, that at the point of extreme danger, David’s use of pronouns change. It changes from the less personal (He” to the more intimate “You.” The Shepherd is no longer out in front, but has come alongside to help, escort, comfort, care, and protect. In times of pain and sorrow, companionship is good- yet how much better when it is the companionship of the Gentle Shepherd that goes with us through the darkness!

• The Comfort of God- found in the words “rod” and “staff”.

Cause for Celebration (v.5) Now we see Him as the Host of the great celebration! Having guarded us from death, fear, evil, and ourselves, we are ushered into His presence where we celebrate His care….

• A Prepared Table- This picture has been called the OT equivalent of Romans 8:31-39. It is the picture of cool assurance under pressure, a witness to the Shepherd’s infinite resources under the worst of circumstances! It is a victory celebration- even in the face of the enemy.
• Anointing Oil- refreshing and soothing, it brought relief to the weary, and expressed a welcome greeting to the home of a friend.
• Overflowing Cup- it pictures an overflowing supply, revealing that the abundance of the Lord’s provision can never be exhausted!

There can be no doubt of His care, whether it be in His protection or His provision. He, the Gentle Shepherd, is truly all we need! Spurgeon wrote…

This sweetest of the Psalms sings of many mercies which the happy soul of the believer receives, and it traces all those benefits to one source—the good Shepherd Himself. “I shall not want.” Why? Because the Lord is my Shepherd. “I lie down in delicious repose in green pastures.” Why? Because He maketh me. “I march onward making holy progress beside the still waters.” Why? Because He leadeth me. “In the prospect of death I am calm and free of fear.” Why? Because He is with me, His rod and staff comfort me!

Who could ask for more? Yet, we will see one more element of our Lord’s shepherding on Friday.