Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep.” John 10:11. In the introduction video, I emphasized the fact that before we get to Psalm 23 and hear David’s song of the LORD as Shepherd, we first pass through the valley of Psalm 22, recognizing Jesus first as our Suffering Savior.
(Subscribers click here to view video)
It is by the very lamb that was slain that we can enter into the Holy and Holies and find complete rest. A rest that restores our soul.
Following the Shepherd
Read Psalm 23:1-3
Imagine King David, wise in years and understanding, reflecting on His own life. No doubt his past experiences and gained insight after a life marred by sin and redemption, grace and mercy came to this point where He could say, ‘I am a sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.’ As king, David knew the work of leading and tending the flock of Israel, but He recognized God is the ultimate Shepherd. So intimate and trusting was David’s relationship with God, that he could say, “I shall not want.” David was not necessarily speaking of desire, but rather lacking. The Hebrew word for “want” is chaser, which means to be abated or to lack. David knew He would lack nothing with His Good Shepherd as provider. Every need of his would be met. He also contended God knew exactly what would be good for him.
Psalm 84:11 tells us “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
There are times I looked at the verse in rebellious disbelief. I could name a hundred things I lack that I know would be good and beneficial. However, the Good Shepherd sees the road ahead. He knows that not everything I ask for is indeed good.
Sheep can be stubborn. I know, because I am one of them.
Sometimes sheep will not wait for the clear, pure water the Shepherd is leading them to. Instead, they see water and drink out of dark, murky polluted potholes along the trail. Contaminated and disease ridden. For a moment, the taste may seem satisfying, but the consequence far surpasses the quench of thirst. A high price to pay for instant gratification.
I don’t always know what is good for me, but our Shepherd does and I must follow Him.
When I usurp the role as leader in our home, God reminds me to fall back.
When I try accomplishing things in my own strength and ambition, God reminds me His strength is perfected in my very weakness.
When I wander away, God reminds me I can only find rest in His presence.
God is always putting his staff out in front of me to redirect me from cliffs and bring me back into the sheepfold.
Lying Down in Fields of Green
David says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures.” Psalm 23:2
As a shepherd, David knew that sheep rarely lie down on their own. As he penned this song, I’m sure he reminisced of days spent in green pastures where he had to create the perfect setting for his sheep to rest.
In order to rest and relax on fields of green, sheep needed to have freedom.
Free from fear.
Free from tension with other sheep.
Free from the aggravation of parasites and flies.
Free from hunger.
Unless a sheep feels completely settled, secured, protected, and satisfied it simply won’t rest. A sheep is a helpless, timid, feeble creature whose only recourse is to run when danger is imminent. Only the presence and work of the Good Shepherd could adequately meet the need of his sheep so it could relax, be content and flourish.
There is no greater comfort to a believer in having a keen awareness that your Shepherd is nearby. Life’s complexities pale in comparison to God’s provision, protection and comfort.
Rest to Restoration
The Good Shepherd is attentive, willing and able to continuously respond to the needs of His sheep. By His infinite love he nurtures and cares for his flock.
Why then would a sheep under the great care of the Divine Shepherd need restoration?
How can my soul become so distressed that I need to be restored?
The other day my daughter’s frustration over the channel changer not working turned into a loud dramatic cry, “It’s hopeless!”
Despite being cared for by our Shepherd, we can still feel the despair and hopelessness of life. After all, sheep are prone to wander. David certainly tasted defeat and the frustration of temptation. Whether it’s the weight of sin or circumstance, our minds, hearts and strength lead us astray from the meticulous care of our Master.
Read Psalm 42:11
David was intimately acquainted with the tendencies of sheep. So when he himself cried out saying, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” he understood the significance of a sheep that is cast down.
A cast down sheep is a sad state of affairs. The sheep has turned over on its back and can no longer get up again on its own accord.
Imagine a sheep with feet anxiously swirling the air, fighting to turn over and struggling to regain footing only to give in unsuccessfully.
If the Shepherd doesn’t rescue the sheep in a short period of time, it dies. Every day a shepherd looks over his sheep and if one is missing, an immediate thought is that it could be down cast.
Our Savior does the same for us. He knows what is happening in our lives, but the minute He sees we are in danger, down cast and unable to stand ground, He rushes in, knowing time is of the essence.
Here’s the interesting thing. Even the healthiest, strongest, largest sheep can become down cast.
A heavy, fat fleece will lie comfortably in the pasture that seems clear from danger, rolling over on its side to stretch and relax. However, it can unknowingly lose equilibrium and fall entirely on its back. How can this relate to our own walk in the Lord? What are the things that make us fall? What does Paul warn us of in I Corinthians 10:12?
Another aspect of a sheep falling over is the weight of its wool. Fleece can become heavily matted with mud, twigs and other debris that adds to the weight, making it easy to be cast down. What does Hebrew 12:1 tell us about what weighs a believer down?
Read Luke 15:3-7. No matter how a sheep is down cast or even lost, the Shepherd rejoices when it’s brought back to safety. Resting beside still waters and feasting on green pastures is always the goal of my Savior. That rest and the watchful eye of my Shepherd leads to restoration that enlivens our spirit and refreshes our own ability to walk with Him.
