Our Reading: Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18
This Psalm is one of the most well known and recited of all of the Psalms. It’s a beautiful, comforting depiction of being cared for as a good shepherd would care for one of his cherished sheep. Even as a child, I didn’t understand all of the references but I still understood the importance of being able to trust the Good Shepherd, Jesus. As an adult, the Psalm has taken on even deeper meaning as I have learned more about the care of sheep.
Perhaps you are familiar with these aspects of shepherding or perhaps you too will learn some interesting things about fluffy, dependent sheep.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: Sheep easily panick. A calming technique used by shepherds is to gently force the sheep to lay down. This helps to comfort them and refocus them to feed quietly on the grass.
He leadeth me beside the still waters. Sheep are afraid of running water. Shepherds will often use rocks, etc. to create a little pool of quiet standing water and then the sheep will drink.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Sheep are flock animals but can also be prone to wandering and the shepherd will have to find them and bring them back to the fold. He will even carry them back if they can not walk on their own.
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. The shepherd was equipped to protect his sheep. Common tools included a rod or club used as a weapon to defend the sheep from predators. He also carried a staff with a crook that would hook around a sheep’s neck or limb to nudge and guide it away from danger. He would personally lead them through new and dangerous terrain as he moved them from one grazing area to another.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Tables in biblical times could refer to the grassy field areas, known as mesas where sheep would graze. The shepherd would inspect the fields for danger before allowing the sheep to graze there.
Thou anointest my head with oil: Shepherds would place oil on the sheep for protection from various insects and skin conditions they were prone to.
With the Good Shepherd, Jesus, watching over us, protecting us, comforting us, and restoring us, we are provided with an abundant life. If you are one of His sheep you can say:
My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Reflection:
- The most important question of your life: Do you have a Good Shepherd? Are you part of the Savior’s cherished flock?
- Are you prone to wander off on your own in search of “greener pastures”?
- Do you trust and find comfort in the guidance and protection of the Good Shepherd when you must enter those dark valleys of life?
- Have you given thanks today for the abundant blessings of His love, His mercy, His protection and His provision in your life?
Prayer: We thank you for being such a Good Shepherd to us. You gently lead us and guide us. You protect us from dangers and from the enemy who lays in wait to ensnare and harm us. You know how to calm us when we are afraid and anxious. You love us enough to go after us when we lose our way and wander. You provide our every need and even more than we need. Thank you that you cause our cup to overflow with your abundant blessings.
