Exodus 5:22-7:24
Matthew 18:21-19:12
Psalm 23
Proverbs 5:22-23
I've always read Psalm 23 for what it said I would have; I've always seen it as a psalm of promise and abundance. "I shall not want" - how much more direct can God get? Consider the sheep - they don't lie down when they feel threatened; they don't lie down when they are hungry. I love the promise that not only will God give us an abundance so great the pastures remain green after we've eaten, He gives us security so we can take our full bellies and lie down and rest, without fear, out in the open where predators roam.
I read the psalm again today, and was surprised to realize what it DOESN'T say - it doesn't say that if we follow the Good Shepherd, we are promised an easy life, a life free from hardship and challenge. Consider:
- It doesn't say we won't have to walk through the darkest valley.
- It doesn't say we won't face evil.
- It doesn't say we won't have enemies.
The OT reading illustrates this. God called Moses, Moses was obeying God...but Pharaoh wasn't cooperating and the Israelites were grumbling. Not easy. Even the NT reading shows this - Jesus talks about how divorce wasn't a conveniently available exit when marriage got difficult. Again, not easy.
If you're like me, you don't like difficult. Not just because it's difficult, but because you're afraid you aren't going to measure up. The response I found to that worry was in the last verse of the psalm, an unconditional promise that starts with "surely". Not "maybe", or "if you behave yourself", or "don't screw up and you might get to...". No - it starts with "surely". And it promises us goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives.
What a blessed reassurance. May we all find comfort in His promise.
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