Greetings to all,
All too often, when hearing, reading, or reciting Psalm 23, the true emphasis and very depth of the meaning of the words is glossed over.
This Psalm is often used when one desires to comfort another, during bereavement or other kinds of serious trouble. However, the essence of the meaning is to emphasize the divine and superior qualities that our Lord Jesus has. He is our Great Shepherd!
The writer addressed the simple folk who were herders and those suffering conflict or distress. Whenever we feel our sense of well-being is being threatened or disturbed, we have forgotten the association of our self being a sheep in Jesus’ flock. We must really consider the very elements of the words and the association which they may have in our
busy, daily lifestyles.
Jesus, after the Resurrection, again explained to the disciples about himself. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” (Luke 24: 38 N.I.V.) ‘He said to them,
“This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” (Luke 24: 44 N.I.V.)
Besides recognizing Jesus as our Saviour, our Rock, our Redeemer, the Resurrection and the Life, the King of kings, the King of Love, the Almighty God against whom no-one can stand, Jesus is also our Shepherd. If we then are His sheep, we ARE under His care!
Being united to the True Vine, we, as branches, cannot do anything except bear good “fruit” and thereby glorify our God.
Where are you today? Have you tapped into the life-giving sustenance which Jesus offers you? Hear his gentle, guiding voice, as the Holy Spirit speaks to you. You will be filled with peace and love and have no room for any kind of fear.
The Peace of the Lord be with you.
Brian