“Songs of Messiah—The Shepherd” (Part 3)

We now close out 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 we move to Psalm 23. On Monday and Wednesday, we looked at our Shepherd’s provision and protection, respectively. We conclude by seeing…

His Full Promise (v.6)

Yet, as wonderful as His protection and provision are, it does not end there. We have promises—a prospect for something that is even better than a mere feast (cp. to our Thanksgiving). In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someone’s table was to establish a bond of mutual loyalty (cp. Exodus 24:8-12). Therefore, to be God’s guest is to be more than an acquaintance invited for a day. It is to live with Him in His home! This carries two implications…

For Here and Now- “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Here, “mercy” is steadfast love, and when combined with “goodness” it pictures a steady kindness that you can count on. It is an idea used mostly about family, or the closest of friends. With God, it is even more. It is an aggressive goodness for “follow” is intense- they pursue! His mercy and goodness don’t just tail after us, they pursue us as expressions of His love!

For Then and There- “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Nothing should comfort us more than the knowledge that the care of the Gentle Shepherd is not limited to today and its sometimes petty pains and problems. It is eternal and limitless! The commitment that He has made to us as His children (the sheep of His pasture) is assured forever—and He will never break it!

Using these wonderful images of Shepherd and Host, David pictures God as our Protector, Provider, and Friend—forever! The question is, do we believe it and live like it? Spurgeon wrote…

One would think from the look on your doubtful face that it said, “The Lord has forgotten to be my Shepherd. He has given me over to the wolf. He has driven me into a wilderness and left me among the dark mountains. I perish in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.”

No- He is the Good Shepherd, even laying down His life for the sheep! We can trust Him to care for us as He has promised. Application?

Where is your quiet place?

What is your commitment to right paths?

What are your fears? heartaches?

What are your overflowing dreams? concerns?

May we learn to say with the little boy in Sunday School, “The Lord is my Shepherd—He’s all I want!” He is surely enough!