Thank you to Pat for this week’s MWB
Today we look to Psalm 23 , The Lord is my shepherd.
Well known – perhaps you know it back to front or could even recite it from memory. It may come to mind at different times as the distinct themes speak into our circumstances, I know it’s often chosen at funerals. But today let’s pause and consider this amazing psalm of David once again and look to new things it can teach us about God, and especially his mercy, as v. 6 says, ” Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,”.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff— they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
David writes this psalm having been a shepherd himself, he knew what it was like to try to care for a straying, often stubborn and random group of sheep! He knew it was a hard job, and he identifies with God’s care of himself and his people Israel; a care that goes above and beyond what we expect and deserve.
The Lord is like a shepherd, making sure his flock get what they need and guiding, protecting and giving security. When there’s so much going on, he leads us to quiet waters. When we’re weary, he provides refreshment and rest. When we’re facing enemies or personal challenges we can be assured of his presence with us. When we face sadness or death, God comforts us and assures us of his presence even in the darkest times. When we lack resources, God will provide what we need, even to overflowing!!!! He promises his everlasting care, all the way to heaven!
So, what exactly is mercy? It’s all the above provision, love, care, compassion, rest, security, forgiveness – and more; all the things we don’t deserve, or could never buy or earn, but receive as Gods free gift if we accept Jesus as our saviour. The cross was God’s ultimate display of mercy to us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5: 8.
Jesus also identifies himself as a shepherd in John’s gospel. “ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me .” John 10: 27. So don’t be stubborn or stray but keep close to God and let him guide you and care for you today and every day. Listen to his voice, put your trust in him and seek him with all your heart and receive the benefits of his great love and mercy.
Let’s finish by reading the psalm in the message version, it may evoke more thoughts,
1-3 GOD, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of GOD for the rest of my life.
…. spend some time thanking God for all he’s done for you and his amazing care over every aspect of your life and for sending Jesus to be your Saviour.
