WATCHWORD:
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:6-10
Meditation:
Psalm 23, Part #2
Referring to Philip Keller’s book A Shepard looks at Psalm 23, we stay with the Shepherd Psalm and consider interesting takes on the next four verses.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – Even after several years at the Heifer Ranch where there were lots of sheep and goats, I did not know that it was almost impossible for sheep to be made to lie down. Keller says that sheep will not lie down in peace unless four requirements are met – They must be free of fear, free of conflict with other sheep, free of flies or parasites, and free of hunger. Apply that to us, and our Good Shepherd. He promises us peace in its various forms. Have you ever had trouble sleeping? Too many things running around in your mind? “Come to me…and I will give you rest…”
He leadeth me beside the still waters – Trivia. Did you know that sheep are 70% water? Water is essential for sheep to maintain vitality, strength and its health and general well-being. Without water the sheep becomes weak and impoverished, and could die. The same could be said for us. The scriptures point out to us clearly that the human personality, the human soul has a capacity and need for the water of God’s Spirit. “Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be satisfied”. At the great feast in Jerusalem, during Passover when he was crucified, He said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink”, meaning to accept and believe in Jesus taking the very life of God in Christ where it becomes a part of him. I raise my glass of water in blessed gratitude to my Lord.
He restoreth my soul – Keller teaches that in studying this Psalm it must always be remembered that it is a sheep in the Good Shepherd’s care who is speaking. It is essentially a Christian’s claim of belonging in the family of God. We have our ups and downs in life, often confronted with stresses and difficulties. Even David, the author of the Psalm, who was much loved by God, knew what it was like to be cast down and rejected. He was acquainted with feelings of hopelessness and without strength in himself. Having our Lord restore our soul, how important could that be?
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake – Sheep, like humans, when left on their own, without a Good Shepherd, will come to no good. A herd of sheep can absolutely ruin a pasture, almost beyond repair, with over-grazing without intelligent management by a shepherd. It should be embarrassing to know that we are like sheep in so many ways. Most of us are referred to in scripture as “stiff-necked and stubborn”. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6. We know history, yet we tend to repeat it without the influence of our Good Shepherd.
Closing Prayer:
Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside still waters, He restores my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Thou anointest is my head with oil. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
