Thursday, July 30

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015

2 Chronicles 26:1–28:27

Romans 13:1–14

Psalm 23:1–6

Proverbs 20:11

 

 

“The Lord is my shepherd… ” (Psalm 23)

 

 

Today’s reading includes the beloved Psalm 23.  Many literature anthologies contain this psalm as a fantastic example of ancient literature.  While it flows beautifully, even in translation, the brilliance of Psalm 23 lies not in the phraseology, but in the One Whom David seeks to reveal, Israel’s Shepherd-King.  The analogies and imagery contained within the psalm point to the intimacy that we may have with God and draw our hearts into grateful worship.  May we take a look at a few key phrases and what tell us about our Father?

 

““I shall not be in want…. Surely goodness and love will follow me,/ and I will dwell in the house of the LORD/ forever. ”  These thoughts bring to mind the confidence that David displayed in Psalm 27.  Our Shepherd-King will not abandon us to the wolves of this world, and we may draw inward to His temple for refuge and strength.  We will be filled with joy, as we look upon His beauty and admire His presence.  This Shepherd-King desires our best, which we read in Romans 8:28,29 as our becoming more conformed into the image of Christ.

 

“He makes me lie down in green pastures;/ he leads me beside quiet waters.”  God will provide fertile places, where we may flourish.  This promise includes a secure and enduring “rest,” referencing the shalom (“peace”) that God desires for each of his children.  This shalom does not merely mean an absence of violence or trouble, but rather a complete restoration to what God intended at creation.  David signifies this shalom through the mentioning of “quiet waters,” literally meaning “waters of resting places.”  These waters tie in with the “stream of living water” promised in the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39) and the “River of Life” in heaven (Revelation 22:1–5).

 

“He guides me in paths of righteousness… ”  This righteousness implies both prosperity and moral uprightness and brings honor to the Name of our Father.  Proverbs 3:5,6 encourages us similarly:

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

                and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him

                and he will make your paths straight.”

 

“Even though I walk/ through the value of the shadow of death,/ you are with me… ”  In this center of the psalm, David recognizes that he will never depart from God’s presence.  The promise of Hebrews 13:5 – that God will never leave us nor forsake us – allows us to find real purpose in difficult moments.  The Scriptures reveal that God consistently and sovereignly directs events for the good of His people and to His glory.  We may rest in Him through life’s storms, knowing His love has not changed.

 

“Your rod and your staff.”  The “rod” and “staff” represent an instrument of authority and support, respectively.  The Shepherd-King protects and cares for His sheep, just as human shepherds do.  Many observers have noted the strong correlation between less-than-intelligent sheep and humans.  The Lord Jesus Christ looked on the crowds with compassion, finding them as “sheep without a shepherd.”  Without a shepherd, sheep face threats from predators, thirst, and starvation.  Likewise, when we turn away from following God, we become lost and disillusioned.  Praise God that He does intervene for His sheep!

 

“You prepare a table before me…/ You anoint my head with oil… ”  In the Middle East, inviting another person to a meal represented a bond of intimacy and friendship, whereas this oil bestowed honor on the guest.  God has welcomed His servant and takes David under His protection.  The fellowship meal here represents the sealing of a covenant and expresses the bond of friendship.  In similar fashion, Revelation promises that history culminates in a fellowship meal, celebrating the Lamb’s conquest over sin and death and the presentation of His bride, the Church.

 

 

As you meditate on Psalm 23 today, I commend to you this praise song, “Good, Good Father” from Housefires (http://goo.gl/A20yZP).  What an awesome meditation on the greatness of our Father and His lovingkindness towards us! 

 

 

Father, thank You for drawing us close to Yourself and allowing us to approach You with confidence.  You are indeed good, and Your love endures forever!  Make us more aware of Your presence and provision for us so that we may have joyful confidence today.  Give us a deep trust in Your presence with us.  Thank You for bringing us freedom through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In His Name, amen.

 

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