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CONTENTS OF PAGE - The Valley of the Shadow of Death
- A Shepherd Explains Psalm 23
- Don’t Let Go!
He Leads Me Beside the Still Waters "Be Still and Know That I Am God." The Ninety and Nine "He
Restores My Soul" The Path of Righteousness The Door of the Sheep (poem) If Tomorrow Never Comes (poem) The Rod and
the Staff What a Friend We Have in Jesus (hymn) You Prepare a Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies My Cup Runs Over And
I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord Forever The Church's
Glorious Nature How's Your Heart? Master of the Sheepfold (poem) David, a Man of Passion
 The Valley of the Shadow of Death by
Earl Kimbrough
Via Guardian of Truth XXXII: 17, pp. 534-535, September 1, 1988 The beautiful twenty-third Psalm is a song of faith. It abounds with assurance
of God's guidance and protection. There is mention of danger of enemies, both past and present, but it is muted by David's
trust in the perpetual presence and ceaseless care of God. The psalm begins with an affirmation of faith for time and ends
with an expression of hope for eternity. Its message is couched in figures in which the psalmist sees himself first as a journeying
sheep in the hands of a gentle shepherd (vv 1-4) and then as a permanent guest in the house of a gracious host (vv. 5,6).
But each facet of this lyrical jewel is centered in the believer's walk with God that calms his fears and gives peace to his
soul each day of his life. Faith in the Shepherd's Care (vv.
1-3) "The Lord is my Shepherd."
These words declare the simplicity of David's faith in God as the one who laid the foundations of the earth and made
the morning stars sing together, yet is ever mindful of his lowly creatures (see Psalm 138:6). As he sorrowed over whatever troubled him at
the time of writing, he claimed the trust he learned as the shepherd of his father's sheep on the perilous hills near Bethlehem.
He knew that the Divine Shepherd who had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear would deliver him from every
affliction. The most telling word in the sentence is "my." David saw the Lord as his own Shepherd. This implies
an abiding companionship with God in which he continually meditated on his words, walked in his law, and communed with him
in prayer. "I shall not want."
David rose to be king of Israel, but he never rose above a constant awareness of his dependence on God for all things. No
faithful child of God ever reaches the place where he can say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of
nothing" (Revelation 3:17). We, like David, must always remember our reliance on God for every good thing in due season. But we cannot have
freedom from want without condition. While God sends rain alike on the just and the unjust, only the just may claim the promise,
"And my God shall supply all your need" (Philippians
4:19; see Hebrews
4:16). None today can say in truth, "The Lord is my Shepherd,"
unless he follows Christ, the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep and is known of them (John 10:14). "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters."
The picture here does not portray the needs of life so much as the righteous rest that God gives the burdened pilgrim. The
tender grass and quiet waters are an invitation to a cool and refreshing repose on a hot and weary day. There is work to do
and there are dark valleys to cross, but God provides peaceful meadows for his faithful sheep. "Though I walk in
the midst of trouble, You will revive me" (Psalm
138:7). When problems pressed upon David and his spirit was ready
to sink under their weight, the Lord revived his strength to endure and overcome them. God so wisely balances our labors and
rests, and our sorrows and joys, that we are moved to ask, "How can a holy God deal so graciously with a sinner like
me?" "He restores my soul; He leads
me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." The writer for the moment drops the metaphor to
declare his spiritual renewal. His life, like all servants of God, no doubt had many restorations. Once when he took another's
man wife and Nathan rebuked him, he repented and God restored him to his favor. To restore the soul is to bring it back from
the brink of destruction. God refreshes us when we are weary; he comforts us when we are troubled, and he restores us when
we stray. But he does not restore our souls that we may continue in sin. He restores us that we may walk with him in the paths
of righteousness, which he shows us in his word (Jeremiah 23:10). "For His name's sake" may mean that God restores us and leads
us that His name may be exalted. Our greatest mission is to glorify the name of God. Faith in Time of Trouble (v. 4)"Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and your staff,
they comfort me." "The valley of the shadow of death" calls to mind a ravine overhung
with cliffs and foliage that casts dark shades over the dangers that lurk along the path below. Such a place is well calculated
to arouse dread in the fragile sheep, but his Shepherd knows every pitfall and precipice, and the way of every preying beast
that could endanger him there. Under his direction and care, the sheep has no cause for fear. His Shepherd is ever with him
and the symbols of his office, the club for the foes and the crook for the pits, calm his trembling heart. Those who have
God as their companion need fear no danger to their soul for his way is plain and his presence assured. Only when we forsake
him to walk in our own way is there reason to be afraid (Proverbs
14:12). "The
valley of the shadow of death" is expressive of any danger or cause of fear that may arise to trouble one's life.
But this does not exclude the greatest valley through which all must pass, and to which the phrase is popularly applied: the
valley of death itself. God's promised presence, his rod and his staff, comfort us also in that dark and dreadful hour. As
he safely guides us through every danger in our present life, so he will safely guide us when we make our final departure
from it (see Luke 16:22). There is no cause of fear for the righteous in death for, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death
of His saints" (Psalm 116:15). The Lord said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). This promise does not stop at the river's
edge. But we cannot expect God to be with us in death, if we refuse to be with him in life. Faith in God's Goodness and Mercy (vv. 5,6)"You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over."
David now sees God as a benevolent and protective host in whose house he is a guest. There God fully supplies his every lack
and fills his heart with surpassing joy, which even the presence of enemies cannot mar. Ancient laws of hospitality required
the host to provide food, companionship, and security for his guests. The table implies the psalmist's personal communion
with God. Anointing the head with oil was a mark of special honor and suggests divine favor. God exalts all who find refuge
in his house. The overflowing cup represents the fullness of God's blessings. The feast in the sight of enemies indicates
the safety of God's children in the midst of a hostile world. Nothing men may do can separate the faithful child of God from
his Father. "Surely goodness
and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." The goodness and mercy of God are ever present with
his servant. They are both the fruit of God's presence and the reason for it. David seems to have looked back over his difficult
and troubled life to remember that God's goodness and mercy had attended each step of his way. Based on his friendship with
God and the promises of his word, he looked to the future with confidence that these marvelous virtues of God would keep him
safely to his journey's end. The day is not too long, too dark, or too stormy for the goodness and mercy of God to shine through
to those who love him. "And I
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." The reference is to Israel (Hebrews 3:5,6). To dwell in God's house means to live with him among
his people. David saw himself as always in fellowship with God. He said, "One thing I have desired of the Lord, This
will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" (Psalm 27:4). He was in God's house then and he expected to
be in God's house through eternity. Christ said, "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you
unto myself, that where I am, there you may be also" (John
14:2,3). The church is God's house today and it will one day be delivered up to live
forever with the Lord in his heavenly home (Revelation 21:3). The Twenty-Third
Psalm describes the believer's constant communion with God, which calms his fears and brings peace to his soul. All whose
Shepherd is the Lord can have the assurance David had in his Divine Friend. The psalm teaches us to trust God for every need
of body and soul. It teaches us to depend on God for guidance, to lean on him in trouble, and to hope in him for eternity.
A thoughtful and prayerful study of the psalmist's sublime song can help us understand what it means to truthfully say, "The
Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." http://lavistachurchofchrist.org
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore
I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Life is more
than food, and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have
neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by
worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for
the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown
into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? “And do not seek what
you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after,
and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to
you. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke
12:22-32
. I was thrilled to find the following articles by Edwin Crozier. He explains Psalm 23 from a Shepherd's viewpoint
taken from the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. I have this book and wanted to use it
to this month's publication, but it is in storage and I don't have access to it at the moment. I was given permission to copy
these articles and I highly recommend them, as well as recommending Phillip Keller's book. Please don't let the length of
these articles stop you from reading them. They will give you a new awareness of Psalm 23 in which you will have a better
appreciaton of our Shepherd and being in His flock. pg
. A Shepherd Explains Psalm 23 (Part 1: Psalm 23:1-3) Edwin Crozier Introduction: One of the most widely known Bible passages is
Psalm 23. It has been sermonized and taught over and again. It is read at almost all funerals. And is referred
to in every situation where comfort is needed. Yet, the meat of its meaning is probably lost on us. For the most part, we
modern urbanites miss the thrust of David’s pastoral poem because we are unfamiliar with shepherding. In 1970, Phillip
Keller, who was raised in East Africa around shepherds and was himself a shepherd for some time, wrote a book entitled A
Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23. I want us to read Psalm 23 with new ears, learning what David’s
statements would mean to one intimately acquainted with shepherding. As we examine this information, I realize each of us will be
listening with different needs. Some will be listening as the Lord’s sheep, finding reassurance in the Lord’s
shepherding. Others will be listening as the Lord’s sheep, seeing for the first time that this Psalm says as much about
their responsibility as sheep as it does of the provision of our Shepherd. Some will be listening from the standpoint of sheep
on the other side of the fence, starving, weak and diseased, seeing with what care Jesus shepherds His flock and longing to
enter this fold. Others, who are already or desire to be shepherds within this congregation or within their homes, will be
seeing the model they are to emulate. Because of the constraints of time, I will be unable to describe the meaning behind
David’s statements and make application to all the different listeners. But, I believe when the shepherd’s explanation
is given, each of us will easily recognize the application to our particular needs. During this lesson we will examine Psalm
23:1-3 and we will complete the Psalm tonight. Discussion:
I.
The Lord is my Shepherd. A. David knew firsthand that the destiny of any particular sheep depended greatly on the one who was its shepherd. Under
the care of some shepherds, the sheep would struggle, starve, and suffer disease and endless hardship. Under the care of another,
they would flourish and thrive contentedly. B. David was proud to proclaim, “Look
who is my Shepherd. Look at who is my owner, my master. Jehovah is.” Those who enter Jesus’ fold, know their master
and are glad (John 10:14). C. Jesus has the right to be our Shepherd
because He created us (John 1:1-3). David speaks of the Shepherd’s work in his own creation in Psalm
139:13-14. Additionally, He has the right to be our Shepherd because He laid down His life for us. With His own blood,
sweat and tears He bought salvation for us, if we would only submit to be His sheep (John 10:14-18). D. Phillip Keller described his feelings the day he bought his first 30 ewes, “They belonged to me only by virtue
of the fact that I paid hard cash for them. It was money earned by the blood and sweat and tears drawn from my own body during
the desperate grinding years of the depression. … Because of this I felt in a special way that they were in the very
truth a part of me and I a part of them.” E. His neighbor handed him a knife
and said, “Well, Phillip, they’re yours. Now you’ll have to put your mark on them.” While cattlemen
brand their herd, shepherds cut a distinctive earmark so all can tell to whom the sheep belong. We too must wear the mark
of Jesus. It is not enough simply to say, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” We must be marked by a life that is different
from the world (Romans 12:2). We must be marked by a life of love (John 13:35). A life marked
by complete obedience to the will of God (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus proclaimed we cannot have two shepherds
(Matthew 6:24). Whose mark do you wear?
II. I shall not want. A. Coming from David, this statement
is astounding. Here was a man who had been mistreated by family. He had been hounded and harried repeatedly by Saul. He had
seen hard days. One of his sons would rape one of his daughters. Another son would murder the rapist. Then that son, Absalom,
would rebel and steal the kingdom for a time and eventually be killed. Yet this same man claims he will not want. B. This statement is actually more about the sheep than the Shepherd. Yes, it explains clearly that our Shepherd gives
all we need. It calls to mind Jesus’ statement about God’s provision in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew
6:25-34). Most importantly, it describes the contentment of the sheep, trusting that their Shepherd knows what is
best and will be ever vigilant to provide for them. As Hebrews 13:5-6 describes, we are content that the
Lord is with us. David’s statement emphasizes our utter contentment with the Good Shepherd’s care and our consequent
lack of craving and desiring anything more. C. Yet, some Christians are in fact,
not content with their Master. They are discontented thinking the grass may be greener elsewhere. Phillip Keller described
one ewe that was a fence-crawler. Despite his care of his pastures, she had a seemingly ingrained habit of trying to find
the loophole in the fence to the neighbor’s pasture. Ironically, when she escaped, she often ended up feeding on bare,
brown, burned up pasture inferior to her own fold. The real problem came because she taught her lambs to behave the same way
and eventually led other sheep to escape. In the end, despite the positive qualities she had, Mr. Keller had to kill her.
It was the only way to save the other sheep. If we are not content with Christ and His shepherding, death awaits us too. That
is the message of the seed sown among thorns in Luke 8:7, 14. If other pastures distract us, we will be choked
to death.
III. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
A.
We read this today and think of the leisure and comfort we would have if we
were able to take some time and just lie down in a green pasture somewhere. But, to the shepherd’s mind this entails
so much more. B. According to Phillip Keller, “The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very
make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.” They must be free
of fear from outside attack, free of tension and friction with the other sheep in the fold, free from torment of flies and
pests and they must be free of hunger. Without these four conditions, the sheep will never lie down in the green pasture.
But Jesus is the Good Shepherd who can fulfill all the requirements and pave the way for the sheep to be able to lie down
and rest.
1. Fear from outside attack:
Sheep have little or no means of self-defense and are therefore helpless, timid, feeble creatures whose only recourse is to
run. A stray jackrabbit has been known to stampede a whole flock. The Shepherd however, maintains constant vigilance and watch
over the flock to protect against predators. Mr. Keller claimed he learned quickly to keep an eye out for such attacks and
discovered that his mere presence did more than anything else to calm the fears of his flock. If we would have no fear, we
need to keep our eyes focused on the Shepherd. 2. Tension and friction
within the fold: Amazingly enough, a flock of sheep will establish and maintain an order of dominance and status within the
group. A domineering old ewe will typically establish her preeminence by “butting and driving other ewes or lambs away
from the best grazing or favorite bedgrounds. Succeeding her in precise order the other sheep all establish and maintain their
exact position in the flock by using the same tactics of butting and thrusting at those below and around them.” The
Bible contains a description of this in Ezekiel 34:20-22. Mr. Keller learned again, that his mere presence
attracted the attention of his flock, causing them to forget their foolish rivalries, stopping the fighting. Again, we learn,
instead of focusing on ourselves and those around us, we need to spend more time looking at Christ, forgetting our petty problems
and differences within this flock. 3. Free from pests: There
will be more discussion of this in our next lesson. For now, let it be known that the sheep have no real ability to keep the
pests away themselves. The Shepherd is the one who must treat the sheep with oils and salves to help drive the pests away.
The constant watch of the shepherd and application of the antidotes is necessary. 4. Free from hunger: Sheep cannot just survive anywhere. Freeing them from hunger means preparing
the ground with salts and minerals so it is useful to the sheep. It means keeping a watch on the pasture because if left to
themselves the sheep will graze until they have destroyed even the roots of the grass. It means moving them to proper pasturage
and allowing the other to grow back. It means work and sweat on the shepherd’s part.
C. What this all describes in a nutshell is not just some serene picture of rest. It is the picture of toil and sweat
on the part of the shepherd for the peace of mind of his flock. That is what Jesus has done for us. He came to this earth
as one of us. He prepared the way to defeat our enemies. He established the pattern for overcoming tension among brethren.
He drives away the pests. He fills our hunger with His righteousness. It was not a picture of serenity for Him, it was a picture
of rejection, beating and death as He prepared the way by sacrificing Himself for us. What shoes modern shepherds have to
fill!
IV.
He leads me beside quiet waters. A. The sheep’s body is composed of 70% water and thus, while they thrive in dry, semi-arid cultures, they require
water. So too, we require water. Spiritually, the image of water and thirst are used to describe having eternal life (John
4:10), righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and the word (Ephesians 5:26). This is the water
we need and this is the clear, pure, still water Jesus provides. B. Sheep drink from
three sources of water. Yet, these sources are all a testament to the shepherd’s work.
1. They drink from springs and streams. But the wary shepherd must first search and discover the pure
springs and streams. The shepherd may even have to work to get the water from the spring to a place where the sheep can find
it. The shepherd must also take care that his own flock does not spoil the water through trampling up the mud or through their
own bodily waste. 2. They drink from the
wells. But these wells do not form on their own and must be dug by the shepherd. Then the water must be bailed out so the
sheep can access it. 3.
Interestingly enough, the sheep also drink the water of the dew-drenched grass
every morning. So much so, that if the weather is not too hot, sheep can go months without drinking water if there is continual
heavy dew. Yet again, it is the shepherd who must prepare the pasturage to be edible to allow for this dew to be accessed.
C. This statement also says something
about the sheep. The sheep recognize that the water provided by the shepherd is what is best for them. Some interesting word
pictures can be seen as we consider our own place as sheep in God’s flock. Do we partake in the daily dew of God’s
word, spending daily time in the water and word of God? Or do we starve ourselves through the week and hope the Sunday’s
drink from the well will be enough? Secondly, are we satisfied with the refreshing quiet waters that Jesus provides or do
we turn aside to our own way and our own sources of water as Jeremiah 2:13 describes. Consider the following
statements from Phillip Keller.
1. They remind me very much of a bunch of sheep I watched one day which were being led down to a magnificent mountain stream.
The snow-fed waters were flowing pure and clear and crystal clean between lovely banks of trees. But on the way several stubborn
ewes and their lambs stopped, instead to drink from small, dirty, muddy pools beside the trail. The water was filthy and polluted
not only with the churned up mud from the passing sheep but even with the manure and urine of previous flocks that had passed
that way. Still these stubborn sheep were quite sure it was the best drink obtainable. The water itself
was filthy and unfit for them. Much more, it was obviously contaminated with nematodes and liver fluke eggs that would eventually
riddle them with internal parasites and disease of destructive impact. 2. Of course there is always a percentage of perverse people who will refuse to allow God to lead them.
They insist on running their own lives and following the dictates of their own wills. They insist they can be masters of their
own destinies even if ultimately such destinies are destructive. They don’t want to be directed by the Spirit of God
… they want to walk in their own ways and drink from any old source that they fancy might satisfy their whims. …
People often try this pursuit or that with the casual comment, ‘So, what? I can’t see that it’s going to
do any harm!’ Little do they appreciate that often there is a delayed reaction and that considerable time may elapse
before the full impact of the misjudgment strikes home. Then suddenly they are in deep trouble and wonder why.
D. The Shepherd has done His part to lead us to quiet still waters. Are we doing our part to drink?
V. He restores my soul. A. This statement
is somewhat shocking. After all, with the hard work that Jesus does as our Shepherd, how could anyone become cast down and
need to be restored. Yet, because of our own weaknesses we do, at times, become cast down and need restoration. The Psalmist
of Psalm 42 speaks of his cast down soul, three times (Psalm 42: 5, 6, 11). This soul needs
restoration. The Shepherd provides it. B. The “cast down” sheep
in need of restoration is one who has fallen over on its back and cannot get up. According to Mr. Keller, “A ‘cast’
sheep is a very pathetic sight. Lying on its back, its feet in the air, it flays away frantically struggling to stand up,
without success. Sometimes it will bleat a little for help, but generally it lies there lashing about in frightened frustration.
If the owner does not arrive on the scene within a reasonably short time, the sheep will die.” This is one reason the
shepherd must diligently watch for cast sheep. The other reason is because predators know a cast sheep is easy prey. C. Again, while this speaks of the shepherd’s diligence to watch for His sheep to help them in their time of need.
It also says something about the sheep. Because there are three reasons for sheep becoming cast, each of which parallels a
“cast down” and vulnerable soul.
1. Sitting in the soft spot: Sometimes the sheep find
a nice soft spot to lie down in. It may roll on its side slightly to stretch out. The sheep’s center of gravity shifts
so it turns further onto its back and can no longer touch the ground with its feet. Sometimes, we as sheep become tired of
the hard work involved and look for the comfortable places. When we start looking for easy lives, we will become cast down.
The Shepherd, if we will allow Him, will restore with words of encouragement and rebuke. 2. Too much wool: Sometimes the sheep’s wool grows
too long or thick and becomes ripe for catching in brambles and gathering mud which will weigh the sheep down, causing it
to become cast. The shepherd must then shave the sheep of its excess wool. This also has a counterpart as we sometimes seemingly
have too much wool allowing the things of this world to weigh us down and cast us. Again I am reminded of the parable of the
sower and the seed on the thorny soil (Luke 8:7, 14). 3. Too
fat: The fattest sheep are the most often cast down. They simply have too much
weight to be agile and able to stay constantly on their feet. Men sometimes parallel this heavy sheep much like Moses described
Israel in his song in Deuteronomy 32:13-15. Because of success and prosperity the people turn their backs
on God because they have “arrived.” Like the Laodiceans of Revelation 3:17 they think they need
nothing because of their prosperity. At this time they have become cast and are easy prey for the devil.
D. Despite the sinful reasons for which we may become cast down. The Lord wants to restore our souls. He searches for
us and rejoices when we are found (Luke 15:4-7). We may not like His discipline, but it is for our restoration.
Of course, this applies to Jesus’ underling shepherds. We must be willing to recognize their efforts to restore our
souls and not grow weary or be turned off by their attempts to help us.
VI. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. A. When we speak of shepherds one of the first aspects we often think of is leading. Do you know why this is the case?
It is because sheep must be constantly led to new pasturage. According to Mr. Keller, If
left to themselves [sheep] will follow the same trails until they become ruts: graze the same hills until they turn to desert
wastes; pollute their own ground until it is corrupt with disease and parasites. … Because of the behavior of sheep
and their preference for certain favored spots, these well-worn areas become quickly infested with parasites of all kinds.
In a short time a whole flock can thus become infected with worms, nematodes, and scab. The final upshot is that both land
and owner are ruined while the sheep become thin, wasted and sickly. … The greatest single safeguard which a shepherd
has in handling his flock is to keep them on the move. That is to say, they dare not be left on the same ground too long.
They must be shifted from pasture to pasture periodically. … In a word—there must be a pre-determined plan of
action, a deliberate, planned rotation from one grazing ground to another in line with right and proper principles of sound
mind. This is precisely the sort of action and the idea David had in mind when he spoke of being led in paths of righteousness. B. Sheep, left to themselves, destroy
themselves. This is much like the Proverbialist’s point in Proverbs 14:12; 16:25. There is a way that
may seem right to us, but it ends in death. C. This says a great deal about our
Shepherd. He is a caring loving Shepherd. The planning that it takes to lead the sheep so they do not destroy themselves is
immense. The planning that God went through so we would not be destroyed was also immense. Consider, it took Adam and Eve
only a few minutes to destroy the paradise of Eden. But God took 4000 years to bring about the fullness of His plan in Jesus
and the Word. Our Shepherd is not one of the careless shepherds who would leave us to destroy ourselves. He lovingly cares
for us and prepares for us, if we will but follow Him. D. Once again, this
says something about the sheep as well. I cannot say it better than Mr. Keller did. Now
as we turn to the human aspect of this theme we will be astonished at some of the parallels. As mentioned earlier it is no
mere whim on God’s part to call us sheep. Our behavior patterns and life habits are so much like that of sheep it is
well nigh embarrassing.
First of all Scripture points out that most of us are a stiff-necked and stubborn lot. We prefer to follow our own
fancies and turn to our own ways. ‘All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way’
(Isaiah 53:6). And this we do deliberately,
repeatedly even to our own disadvantage. There is something almost terrifying about the destructive self-determination of
a human being. It is inexorably interlocked with personal pride and self-assertion. We insist we know what is best for us
even though the disastrous results may be self-evident.
Just as sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly follow
one another along the same little trails until they become ruts that erode into gigantic gullies, so we humans cling to the
same habits that we have seen ruin other lives. Turning to ‘my own way’ simply means doing what I want. It implies
that I feel free to assert my own wishes and carry out my own ideas. And this I do in spite of every warning...
The difficult
point is that most of us don’t want to come. We don’t want to follow. We don’t want to be led in the paths
of righteousness. Somehow it goes against our grain. We actually prefer to turn to our own way even though it may take us
straight into trouble.
The stubborn, self-willed, proud, self-sufficient sheep that persists in pursuing its
old paths and grazing on its old polluted ground will end up a bag of bones on ruined land. The world we live in is full of
such folk. Broken homes, broken hearts, derelict lives and twisted personalities remind us everywhere of men and women who
have gone their own way. We have a sick society struggling to survive on beleaguered land. The greed and selfishness of mankind
leaves behind a legacy of ruin and remorse.
Amid all this chaos and confusion Christ the Good Shepherd comes and says, If any man will
follow me, let him deny himself daily and take up his cross and follow me (Mark 8:34).
But most of us, even as Christians, simply don’t want to do this. We don’t want to deny ourselves, give up our
right to make our own decisions—we don’t want to follow; we don’t want to be led. E. The paths down
which Jesus leads are righteousness. We must not become distracted by our own desires to be in control. Rather, we must follow
the Shepherd. His loving care will take us home to heaven. We must not be like the many of which Mr. Keller spoke. We must
be those few sheep who will give up our stubbornness and our pride and follow Jesus completely, lest we destroy ourselves.
Conclusion: We will conclude Psalm 23 in our next lesson.
As we close, we need to focus on the last point we have made. Jesus will lead us in paths of righteousness. Have
you been following Him on your way? Consider Jesus' way described in Romans 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.
While numerous men have set up their own way, Jesus only has one way (Matthew 7:13-14). We must hear,
believe and confess His gospel. We must repent of our sins. We must submit to Jesus in baptism. Have you
followed Jesus in baptism?
A Shepherd Explains Psalm 23 (Part 2: Psalm 23:4-6) Edwin
Crozier Introduction: In a previous lesson, we began to read Psalm 23 with new eyes, learning that the Psalm was far richer
in meaning to those acquainted with shepherding. Phillip Keller, a man raised among shepherds in East Africa, and himself
a shepherd for several years, has helped our understanding in his book A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23.
Allow me to repeat, as we continue our look at this Psalm we will each be listening from different needs. Some will be listening
as the Lord’s sheep being reassured of our shepherd and learning our responsibility as sheep. Some will be listening
as the neighbor’s sheep, longing to enter this fold. Others will be seeing the model of shepherding left for us by the
Chief Shepherd as we strive to shepherd the congregation or our own homes. In this lesson, we will study
Psalm 23:4-6. There are two interesting shifts in these verses. First, the first three verses are addressed
to us, as the sheep extols the virtues of his great Shepherd. However, in vs 4, David speaks to his Shepherd.
This is intriguing, that a sheep has an intimate enough relationship with his Shepherd to address Him. Yet that is exactly
the relationship we have with our Shepherd. We can go to Him in prayer. We can lay our cares at His feet. We can offer praise
to Him. We can make requests of Him. The second shift is one known by the shepherd. According to Mr. Keller, “Both in Palestine and
on our western sheep ranches this division of the year is common practice. Most of the efficient sheepmen endeavor to take
their flocks onto distant summer ranges during summer. This often entails long ‘drives.’ The sheep move along
slowly, feeding as they go, gradually working their way up the mountains behind the receding snow. By late summer they are
well up on the remote alpine meadows above timberline.” It is as if, in this Psalm we are being taken
on a journey with the sheep through the cycle of its year. Now, as the sheep is following his shepherd through the mountain
valleys to the tables of pastureland, we see the “intimate conversation” they have on their way, secluded from
the sheep of other folds. Discussion: I. Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me. A.
As already mentioned, this brings to the shepherd’s mind the yearly journey
up to the mountain pastures. However, the sheep cannot be airlifted up to this higher ground. They have to travel through
the mountains’ valleys. These valleys are the best ways because they have the easiest grades, they contain the best
water sources and the best grazing for the journey. Going through these valleys is a must and the goal of the mountain top
pastureland is worthy, but the journey is dangerous. B. Shepherds know why these valleys are a shadow of death. Mr. Keller explains: All the dangers of rampaging rivers in flood; avalanches, rock slides; poisonous plants; the ravages of predators
that raid the flock or the awesome storms of sleet and hail and snow were familiar to him. He had handled his sheep and managed
them with care under all these adverse conditions. Nothing took him by surprise. He was fully prepared to safeguard his flock
and tend them with skill under every circumstance.
C.
While these dangers loomed on every hand, the vigilant, watchful shepherd is
on hand to protect the flock in time of attack. To steer the flock away from poisonous plants. To keep them together and protected
in the shelter of cliffs in time of storms. The sheep are not left to make this journey on their own. Keeping their eye on
the shepherd they are free from worry and fear, knowing he will care for them.
D.
Each of us, in our own way, is longing for the “higher ground”
with God. But, we also must go through the valleys. We have to face the “dark and dangerous” days as well. Consider
all the great Bible characters. Before Moses was a leader, he fled Egypt in fear, spending forty years herding sheep for his
father-in-law. Jacob fled from his brother and spent years in the service of his father-in-law because of Laban’s deceit.
Joseph was sold into slavery and put in prison before he became second-in-command of Egypt. David was constantly attacked
by Saul before he became king. Each of these made it to the higher ground, but not without first going through the valley
of the shadow of death. E. Finally,
this verse speaks of walking through the “valley of the shadow of death.” It does not speak of dying. This
Psalm is not about death. It is about comfort that, despite what we face, God is there as our Shepherd to lead us through
the dark times and bring us onto the mountaintop (Hebrews 13:5-6). And our Shepherd knows the best path to
take that will give us the most strength. II. Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. A. While traveling through the valleys, the sheep are comforted by the shepherd’s rod and staff.
These comprise the greatest part of the shepherd’s equipment and are used for several specific tasks. B.
That David found the rod of his Shepherd comforting is striking. After all,
the rod was the main source of discipline from the shepherd. Mr. Keller describes the rod as a sapling pulled from the ground
and carved at one end to fit the hand of the shepherd and at the other with a ball. Even as youngsters, those in shepherd
families carve their own rod and spend time practicing with the rod using it as a striking and throwing weapon. This rod is
used for three basic purposes. 1. Discipline: Mr. Keller says, “I could never get
over how often and with what accuracy, the African herders would hurl their knob-kerries at some recalcitrant beast that misbehaved.
If the shepherd saw a sheep wandering away on its own, or approaching poisonous weeds, or getting too close to danger of one
sort or another, the club would go whistling through the air to send the wayward animal scurrying back to the bunch.”
2. Protection: The rod is a weapon to ward off attacks from wild beasts. In fact, when David tells Saul about
striking the bear and the lion in I Samuel 17:34-35, it is very likely he struck them with his rod. 3.
Inspection: Because of a sheep’s
thick wool, sometimes it is difficult to know its true physical state. The rod is used to inspect the sheep, pushing, pulling
and parting the wool, so the shepherd can examine the skin and body. God uses this imagery in Ezekiel 20:37.
4. We can easily see why
the rod of protection and inspection brought comfort to David. But the rod of discipline is another matter, especially in
David’s life. We all know the form of God’s rod in David’s life when he sinned with Bathsheba. His child
died and trouble plagued his family from then on. And yet, this same David found this discipline a comfort. Why? Because he,
as a shepherd, understood the necessity of using the rod of discipline. He understood its end. We as sheep need also to understand
the necessity of receiving discipline as described in Hebrews 12:7-11.
C.
The staff is the equipment we are most familiar with. It is the long slender
walking stick with the hooked end. While the shepherd would use this staff as a walking stick to lean on, it was also a piece
of equipment designed specifically for the needs of shepherding.
1.
Drawing sheep together: When
a ewe is lambing, the shepherd will use his staff to lift up the newborns and place them side by side with their mothers.
The staff is used, because if the mother smells the odor of the shepherd’s hands on her lamb, she will reject it. The
staff would also be used to draw those sheep on the fringes back into close huddle with the rest of the sheep. 2.
Drawing the sheep to the shepherd:
We spoke of the rod used for examination, the staff was likewise used to reach out and catch individual sheep to draw them
to the master for examination. Mr. Keller, even claimed the staff was used to demonstrate a special bond between particular
sheep and the shepherd. “Sometimes I have been fascinated to see how a shepherd will actually hold his staff against
the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so that they ‘are in touch.’” 3.
Guiding the sheep: Mr. Keller
wrote, “Again and again I have seen a shepherd use his staff to guide his sheep gently into a new path or through some
gate or along dangerous, difficult routes. He does not use it actually to beat the beast. Rather, the tip of the long slender
stick is laid gently against the animal's side and the pressure applied guides the sheep in the way the owner wants it to
go.” 4. Rescuing the sheep: Sheep are stubborn creatures and often get themselves into dilemmas they can’t get themselves
out of. For instance, striving to get a few extra mouthfuls of grass, sheep will push their way into brambles and bushes or
even slip down the edge of a cliff and be unable to get back up. The shepherd’s staff helps him rescue the sheep from
these “traps.”
D. The rod and staff are comforting. We are comforted by our shepherd’s rod and staff, representative,
for the most part of God’s word, which protects us from sin, steers us away from danger, helps us overcome the tempter,
draws us together and closer to God and will rescue us from our own undoing if we will study it regularly and obey what it
says. That is why Paul commends the Word of God in Acts 20:32.
III.
Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. A.
When I first read this verse, I pictured some type of banqueting table laid
out with all kinds of delicious goodies while David’s enemies looked on in hunger, drooling for a tiny morsel. However,
that is not the image. The table spoken of is not the kind of table we use, but rather refers to a land table, that is, the
tablelands on the mountains to which the sheep have been journeying. Even on the higher ground the enemies stalk, but the
ever-present shepherd keeps his sheep safe. B. Mr. Keller describes the shepherd’s work regarding these tableland pastures.
Early in the season, even before all the snow has been melted by spring sunshine, he will go ahead and make preliminary
survey trips into this rough, wild country. He will look it over with great care, keeping ever in mind its best use for his
flock during the coming season. Then just before the sheep arrive he will make another expedition or two to prepare the tableland for them. He takes
along a supply of salt and minerals to be distributed over the range at strategic spots for the benefit of the sheep during
the summer. The intelligent, careful manager will also decide well ahead of time where his camps will be located so the sheep
have the best bed grounds.
He goes over the range carefully to determine how vigorous the
grass and upland vegetation is. At this time he decides whether some glades and basins can be used only lightly whereas other
slopes and meadows may be grazed more heavily.He will check to see if there are poisonous weeds appearing, and if so, he will
plan his grazing program to avoid them, or take drastic steps to eradicate them. …Another task the attentive shepherd takes on
in the summer is to keep an eye out for predators. He will look for signs and spoor of wolves, coyotes, cougars and bears.
If these raid or molest the sheep he will have to hunt them down or go to great pains to trap them so that his flock can rest
in peace.Often what actually happens is that these crafty ones are up on the rimrock watching every movement the sheep make,
hoping for a chance to make a swift, sneaking attack that will stampede the sheep. Then one or other of the flock is bound
to fall easy prey to the attacker’s fierce teeth and claws.
C. David refers to this kind of shepherd’s work in this part of the Psalm. Jesus has done this for us. He brings
us through the dangerous and trying valleys, keeping us comforted by His presence and His discipline and guidance. He leads
us to the mountaintops even as our enemies look on. He remains ever vigilant to protect us. Peter claimed our adversary, the
devil, prowls like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). But Jesus has already prepared
the way for us even in the face of this roaring lion. On the night before Jesus’ death, He told the apostles, “I
go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that
where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). Jesus was not saying He was going to heaven to wash
the sheets and clean the drapes in heavenly mansions for the twelve. Rather, He was discussing how His death and resurrection
would prepare the way for our resurrection and eternity with Him (I Corinthians 15:20-23). D.
In addition to His own preparation, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to prepare the
tablelands in the presence of our enemy. John 16:7-15 describes the work of the Spirit through the apostles.
Through Him, all truth has been made manifest to us in the scriptures that we may graze on the tablelands with our Shepherd
even as the lion prowls about. He cannot overpower us because the Good Shepherd is with us.
IV.
Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. A.
In our first lesson, you will remember that I mentioned the four requirements
necessary for sheep to lie down in green pastures. One of which was freedom from the aggravation of pests. According to Mr.
Keller, these summer months on the tablelands are also “fly months.” Here is his description. To name just a few parasites that trouble stock and make their lives a misery: there are warble flies, bot flies,
heel flies, nose (nasal) flies, deer flies, black flies, mosquitos (sic), gnats and other minute, winged parasites
that proliferate at this time of the year. Sheep are especially troubled
by the nose fly, or nasal fly, as it is sometimes called. These little flies buzz about the sheep’s head, attempting
to deposit their eggs on the damp, mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. If they are successful the eggs will hatch
in a few days to form small, slender, worm-like larvae. They work their way up the nasal passages into the sheep’s head;
they burrow into the flesh and there set up an intense irritation accompanied by severe inflammation.
B. As disgusting and irritating as it sounds, we might be tempted to think this is a trivial issue in the face of cougars
and coyotes. However, Mr. Keller continues. For relief from this agonizing annoyance sheep will deliberately beat their heads against trees, rocks, posts, or
brush. They will rub them in the soil and thrash around against woody growth. In extreme cases of intense infestation a sheep
may even kill itself in a frenzied endeavor to gain respite from the aggravation. Often advanced stages of infection from
these flies will lead to blindness.
C.
The sheep cannot deal with these annoyances themselves. In fact, according
to Mr. Keller, if the sheep are left to themselves to deal with these pests, they often end up doing more harm to themselves,
running around until they fall down in utter exhaustion. The only solution is through the loving care of the shepherd anointing
his sheep with the oils and salves which will repel these dangerous pests. “At the very first sign of flies among the
flock he will apply an antidote to their heads,” Mr. Keller explains. This is not a once a year ritual, this is something
for which the shepherd must conscientiously watch throughout these times, having a constant supply of the anointing oil to
help the sheep be free from these aggravations. D. There is amazing parallel between these little pests with the sheep and our own lives. Our adversary
often refrains from blatant attacks. He is more like an annoyance. Instead of turning to the anointing cup of the Shepherd,
we seek in our own wisdom to overcome the distraction, the stress, the emotional turmoil. We beat our heads against the trees
and run in circles until we are overcome with utter exhaustion and give up. We desperately long for peace, but it eludes us.
Our Shepherd has provided the anointing oil for us in His word. He has provided the peace for us, if we will only turn to
Him. Was that not Jesus’ point in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-34? Was that not Paul’s
point in Philippians 4:4-9? God has promised us peace from the pests of stress, depression, emotional distress
and mental anguish. Our cup of anointing oil overflows, we simply must turn to the Word of God.
V.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life.
A. Once
again, we are astounded that David, a man whose life was marked with adversity from his own king, from the Philistines, from
his own family and from his own sins, said this. Yet, as he again addresses us, his fellow sheep, he claims goodness and lovingkindness
will follow him. Considering the last half of this Psalm and what it meant to shepherds, the statement is equally amazing.
Here is a sheep who has been led by his shepherd through the valley of the shadow of death. He has been led on to a tableland
right into the face of his enemies. He has experienced the rod of his shepherd in discipline, yet he has the wisdom to know
that all of this was for his best interests. And he expects that to continue for all his life. B.
Can we be sheep like this? Surely, it is easy to feel goodness and lovingkindness
will follow us right after we have killed Goliath. But what about right after Absalom has stolen the kingdom? Can we give
thanks to our Shepherd for goodness and lovingkindness in the difficult times? C. To the shepherd, this statement has a double meaning. It refers to the goodness and lovingkindness
this sheep expects from his shepherd. It also refers to the goodness and lovingkindness that the sheep will leave in his wake
because of the work of the shepherd. Consider Mr. Keller’s description: Sheep can, under mismanagement, be the most destructive livestock. In short order they can ruin and ravage land almost
beyond remedy. But in bold contrast they can … be the most beneficial of all livestock if properly managed.
Their manure is the best balanced of any produced
by domestic stock. When scattered efficiently over the pastures it proves of enormous benefit to the soil. The sheep’s
habit of seeking the highest rise of ground on which to rest insures that the fertility from the rich low land is re-deposited
on the less productive higher ground. No other livestock will consume as wide a variety of herbage. Sheep eat all sorts of
weeds and other undesirable plants which might otherwise invade a field. … In a few years a flock of well-managed sheep
will clean up and restore a piece of ravaged land as no other creature can do.
D. When we, as sheep, allow ourselves to be blessed by following the Good Shepherd, we in turn leave a wake of goodness
and lovingkindness. It is much like Jesus’ statement to Simon the Pharisee in Luke 7:47. The one who truly realizes the blessing
of goodness, and lovingkindness he has received will be the one who emanates the most love to the one who bestowed that mercy
and to others who need mercy. E. We
must examine and question our own lives as Mr. Keller advises, “Do I leave a trail of sadness or of gladness behind?
Is my memory, in other people’s minds, entwined with mercy and goodness, or would they rather forget me altogether?
Do I deposit a blessing behind me or am I a bane to others? Is my life a pleasure to people or a pain?” When the Lord
is really our Shepherd, we truly wear His mark and carefully follow His lead, goodness and lovingkindness will follow us.
VI. And I will dwell in the house of
the Lord forever. A. David
began this psalm with the proud proclamation, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” He ends with the equally thrilling statement,
“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” And why wouldn’t he remain? He would be foolish to seek
the shepherding of another master. B. While this statement is a reflection on the ability of the Shepherd, David’s statement also says a great deal
about the sheep. Despite the walks through the valley of the shadow of death, despite pasturing under the menacing eyes of
the enemy, despite having endured the sting of the Shepherd’s rod, David has no desire to leave the house, the flock,
the fold of the Lord. He wants to be a part of this family. C. In view of this psalm, I am puzzled at the thought of why anyone would ever want to leave the fold
of God. Yet, people do. Having come to a greater understanding of David’s pastoral poem, I recognize it has a great
deal to do with outlook. How do the sheep perceive what goes on around them? Do they trust the Shepherd’s judgment or
are they wrapped up in their own desires? Do the sheep find comfort in the rod and staff or do they become angered by it?
We, as the sheep, are the only ones who can determine our outlook on these things. Let us boldly make this psalm our own anthem
of life in following Jesus. Let us proclaim, “The Lord is my Shepherd … I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
Conclusion:
There
are some who have listened as sheep in another fold. For some reason, you have stayed in the barren, burned up, disease
and parasite infested grounds of another shepherd. The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for you and is holding open
the door into His fold so He can make you lie down in green pasture, lead you beside quiet waters, restore your soul, guide
you in paths of righteousness, comfort you in the valleys, prepare a table for you before your enemies, anoint your head with
oil and follow you with goodness and mercy. Despite what you may think, you will not find that where you are now.
Please, take this opportunity to be marked by the Good Shepherd and enter His house.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
., Don’t Let Go!
By Joanne Beckley
Recently I was attracted to
the short article “You can’t go home when home’s no longer there...” I turned 60 years old the other
day and it is a mile-stone, rightly so. Why was I affected? Because my body has begun to speak the same language as its number
of years – and I am continually surprised to see the older face in my mirror. I keep looking for that young thing that
has kept me company throughout the years. Sure, a little weight was added to the contours – stay with me, we’re
talking face here, not body – but now I look like my mother! But my body is coming along right behind. This past
year I’ve spent more money on my health than at any other time in my life. In fact, soon I shall have to take on a new
name - Maxine. I might as well, for the other Maxine surely has my number. Like she said, “I’m not saying 60 is
old . . . but I’m thinking it!”
If we think about it, somewhere between the ages of 55 and 65 we begin to think “old, older” – because our
bodies are beginning to wear down and out. We find ourselves reminiscing more and more about “back when” and “don’t
you wish”. We begin to think we have a corner on memory problems and “senior moments.” The clock has definitely
slowed down and yet speeded up alarmingly.
But the truth of the matter is, God isn’t considering our aging bodies, but that He expects us to be teachers, full
of His wisdom to impart to the younger. God considers this age group to be the stability of the church and family in our society.
Our life of service has not ended at what the world considers retirement age! (Galatians 5:13-14). Even
the psalmist recognized a change in his life and had some of the same fears we have. He did not want God to consider him worthless
(Psalm 71:9). Perhaps he was remembering the time when an old man spoke these words to him: “I am today eighty years
old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the
voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king?”
(2 Samuel 19:35). Yet the psalmist continues his song and speaks in confidence that he could and would serve God until his
dying day – “I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.” Let us take a closer
look at Psalm 71. It is a prayer to God given by an old man, a king who is beset by enemies on all sides – and begging
God to be his rock and fortress. King David had trusted God from his youth and learned that only God is his refuge. But now
he is old and dealing with physical limitations. He strength is gone yet he asks that his life take yet another turn so that
he can “declare Your strength unto the next generation, Your might to every one that is to come. . . . my tongue
also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long.” The apostle Peter wrote in similar fashion but as
a command to you and me: “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope
fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).
What a fine picture this creates in our minds! Just as the clothing had to be secured with a belt or band in the days of Peter,
so we too must “tighten the belts” of our minds. Now is not the time to relax, but to rejoice in increased time
slots to study and meditate on God holy word; to share with others, seeking hungry hearts. This should be the joy we have
during this period of our lives. Like King David we will maintain our hope of being brought up again “from the depths
of the earth” (Psa 71:20), our bodies changed, and reach heaven, our ultimate goal. But our bodies. . . .! OK!
Yes, our bodies limit our abilities. And when we are dealing with pain, even our emotional levels of control are affected.
So let us encourage each other when those “evil” days come (Ecclesiastes 12:1), let us not let go too much, for
as Maxine says, “Don’t let aging get you down. It’s too hard to get back up!”
, He Leads Me Beside the Still Waters Pat Gates
Chronic illness is a continual battle of flesh and spirit. We war against
temptations that accompany loneliness, boredom, fatigue, pain, bodily dysfunctions, lack of functioning, and the ticking of
the clock that reminds us that time is moving on, life is moving on, often without our participation. As the months and
years go by we find ourselves accepting our new normal and, for the most part, we function emotionally as best we can. However,
there are moments of frustration and weariness when we become battle weary and we want to surrender to the flesh. Anger, impatience,
jealousy, and negative thinking takes hold and we relish in the diversion of expressing our dissatisfaction with life and
with others. We vindicate ourselves in the misjudgments of others and the lack of attention we want and deserve by complaining
that the ones with health don't understand and don't care. We wish they had one hour, one day of our life so they would
understand and perhaps then, they'd care. We allow envy to remind us of our sisters and brothers in Christ who have it so
good and they don't appreciate what they have. Our lives are so terrible... if only we had their life, their lack of troubles,
their joy, their companionship, their health... if only they knew our lives, if only they knew how we suffer..... , Our deviation into self absorption
continues outward in impatience with those in our household. Look at me! I have a terrible life! Don't take my impatience
personal, I'm just suffering so much I can't help it! Be kind to me, even when I'm unkind. Love me, even when I don't feel
like loving. Allow my anger, let me squander in self pity as there is no one else who pities me. Permit my consummation
of self as I'm weary of the battle. There is no victory. I'm tired, so tired of my life. , And then the Psalmist reminds
us, "He leads me beside the still waters." When the storm of
frustration rocks our self-restraint and the waves of self-pity come rushing in, we have two choices: (1) Drown in a
lack of self-restraint of the mind, emotions and tongue or (2) Hold on the anchor of our soul. One
leads to death, the other to life. One brings us continual sorrow, the other to joy even during the storms of life.
One leads to continual thirst, the other leads to the living water where the crashing waves are calmed by the Lord's voice,
"Peace be still." , The battle between flesh and spirit
is ever before us. We can not give up and give in to the flesh, even for a moment. We must remember Psalm 46:11, "Be
still and know that I am God," and allow God's everlasting arms to carry us as we lay limp and trusting in His strength
and in the wisdom of self-restraint. We must quiet our thoughts and admit we are weak and that we need our Father's help
and direction. When frustration comes, let us fall to our knees in prayer and allow God to help us in our battle
against the weariness that is trying to take hold.
“Be still, and know that I am God” Wayne Jackson “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). God’s people are commanded to “be still”
in this verse. The imperative gives a solemn duty to those in a covenant relationship with God — Israel in the Old Testament,
but today, it is given to Christians (cf. Galatians 3:26-29). What does
it mean when God’s own are commanded to “be still”? The injunction is not given to restrict the mobility
of God’s people. The duty represents a spiritual disposition that ought to characterize those to whom God’s unfailing
promises have been given. The word translated “be still” comes
from the Hebrew term raphah. This word is found in various forms in the Old Testament, with different shades of meaning.
It refers to that which is slack, or to let drop, or in some instances, to be disheartened or weak. When used of a person
(as opposed to some inanimate object) it often has a negative connotation. Interestingly,
“be weak” is here commanded. In other contexts, those who let their hands “drop” from work are condemned.
Those who are disheartened are commanded to take courage. In contexts where “being still” is condemned, we find
that certain obligations were being neglected, and God’s people were admonished to take initiative to fulfill their
duties. Sadly, there are those who are far from “still”; they
“do all the work” and give God none of the credit. They believe that by “lifting up their hands” and
by “taking courage,” they can survive and thrive by the sweat of their own brow. They can do it all on their own,
without any divine dependence. Here is the irony in this term “be
still.” While we must take the initiative to fulfill our responsibilities and live our lives, the uncertainties of living
in a world of sin and woe will continually challenge us. Personal initiative is no substitute for reliance upon God (cf. James
4:13-17). This command — “be still” — forces us
to think on two things: that we are finite, and that God is infinite. That being the case, we need to drop our hands, go limp,
relax, and “chill out.” Christian people ought to “come, behold the works of Jehovah,” (v. 8) that
we may enjoy a calm confidence in him who gave us his Son. “Shall
he not also with him freely give us all things?” Paul reasoned (Romans 8:32). Psalm 46:10 encourages us to reflect on
what God can do in the face of what we are unable to do. Spiritual serenity,
the psalmist admits, ought to be cultivated in spite of the shaking mountains and agitated waters (vv. 2-3; i.e., figures
for the difficulties we face in life). This spiritual calm, that God commands, does not come from a lack of troubles; it derives
from a steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened in history on behalf of his people (cf. Romans 15:4). So as your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: don’t flinch in faith
in God. Stand still — not because of a self-made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face
of disaster, not because “you’ve seen it all.” Be still because of what you know about God. It is “God’s past” that provides calm for “our future.” Know
that he is God! Know it, not merely intellectually, but practically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is your God. He is the
ruler of kingdoms of this earth and the all-powerful Creator of the Universe. If
you are the last man or woman standing, be still. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore
we will not fear, though the earth do change” (Psalm 46:1-2a). Hallelujah! http://www.christiancourier.com
He restores my soul.
. The Ninety and Nine Elizabeth Cecelia Douglas Clephane
There were ninety and nine that safely
lay
In the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away,
Far off from the gates of gold.
Away
on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.
Away from the tender Shepherd’s
care. “Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;
Are
they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine
Has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep,
I go to the desert to find My sheep.” But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed;
Nor
how dark was the night the Lord passed through
Ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard
its cry,
Sick and helpless and ready to die;
Sick and helpless and ready to die. “Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way
That mark out the mountain’s track?”
“They
were shed for one who had gone astray
Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.”
“Lord, whence are Thy
hands so rent and torn?”
“They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;
They are pierced tonight by many
a thorn.” And all through the mountains, thunder riven
And up from the rocky steep,
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,
“Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne,
“Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!
Rejoice, for the Lord
brings back His own!” .
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses
one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls
together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons
who need no repentance. Lk 14:4-7
But when you do good and suffer, if you take it
patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in
His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed
Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died
to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have
now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:20-25
He
Restores My SoulWayne Jackson Psalm 23 is often called the “nightingale” song because, like the bird of that name, it sings so sweetly
at the midnight hour. And life does have its midnight hours! In that song, the shepherd poet extols the qualities of the great
Shepherd who, among other things, “restores my soul.” Might we reflect upon this phrase momentarily? SoulIn the Hebrew
Bible the term “soul” is nephesh (756 times). The word can refer to “life” (Genesis 1:30),
or simply the “person” (Deuteronomy 10:22). It also
can designate theimmaterialpart of a human, equivalent to the “spirit” (Genesis 35:18; James 2:26; see: Clarke,
212). Materialists (both secular and some quasi-religious) deny that human beings have been endowed with souls. An example
of the secular materialist would be the atheist, while an illustration of the latter are “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” But we are not mere hunks of molded “dust” (Genesis 2:7); there is
an inner essence, the soul (Matthew 10:28) that has been made in the very image of God himself (Genesis 1:26-27). RestoresBut what
is the meaning of the verb “restores” (used about 1,060 times in the Old Testament)? Some suggest that the sense
is this: the soul (life) is “refreshed” by God. While
the word can signify “to refresh,” it certainly is not the physical life that is in view in this text. This is
evidenced by the Psalmist’s earlier appeal to the “law of Jehovah” as accomplishing the restoration (19:7). The basic word indicates a “movement back to the point of departure”
(Unger & White, 333). A noun form is found in Hosea 14:4, where the Lord promises: “I will heal theirbacksliding,
I will love them freely: for my anger is turned away from him” (emp. WJ). It hardly needs to be pointed out that David “slid” backwards on occasion, and when he did, his soul
was plunged into distress (cf. Psalm 32; 51). The term can also carry the sense of “converting,” “reviving”
or “transforming.” The passage in Hosea suggests a “healing.” The word hints of thedamagethat sin can do to the soul, or as we might express it, to the “psyche,” the
emotions, one’s mental state of well-being. In this regard we cannot but think of such mental turbulence as worry, guilt,
regret, sadness, unrest, frustration, and fear. How refreshingly
sweet it is to have confidence in the fact that the Good Shepherd (cf. John 10:11, 14) can assuage these woes and provide
us with peace once more. A beautiful song has these lyrics: “Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin; He will
create anew, make whole again.” ScriptureBut how is restoration effected? As mentioned earlier, elsewhere the Psalmist declares:
“The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul” (19:7). The Hebrew term for law is torah, indicating God’s instruction for the regulation of life. The “law”
was embodied in Scripture; David had only a portion of what we enjoy. We have the whole Bible (cf. 1 Timothy 5:18 where both
Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Luke are quoted and identified as “scripture”; see also 2 Peter 3:16). The word “perfect” reflects that which is without blemish, complete,
characterized by integrity and truth. Professor A.F. Kirkpatrick says the word carries the idea of that which is “without
defect or error” (104). That is the pristine nature of Holy Scripture. A generous application of God’s Word to our lives each day would do wonders for “restoring” mental
stability. Such would eliminate the need for millions of pills, needles, cocktails, and psychiatrists. Health specialists
assert that more hospital beds are occupied by those who have emotional problems, than all physical and surgical ailments
combined (McMillen, 116). Christ has the remedy forallills that
are not physiological in nature, and even when the ailments are physical, he can motivate us to endure by means of the encouragement
within his sacred Word. Make an appointment with him. Listen
carefully to him. Resolve to take the remedy he prescribes, and watch your soul prosper!
http://www.christiancourier.com
He leads me
in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
. You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At
Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ,
. THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS... O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. O
LORD, correct me, but with justice; Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. Jeremiah 10:23-24 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. Psalm
119:35 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to
my path. Psalm 119:105 But the path of the just is
like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. Proverbs 4:18 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and
let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:26-27
THAT LEADS TO THE DOOR OF THE SHEEP “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold
by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd
of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads
them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.
Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever
came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will
be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not
own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.
The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My
sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for
the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and
there will be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:1-16
A traveler once, when skies were rose and gold With Syrian sunset, paused beside the fold, Where an Arabian shepherd housed his flock; Only a circling wall of rough, gray rock— No door, no gate, but just an opening wide Enough for snowy, huddling sheep to come inside. “So,” questioned he, “then no wild
beast you dread?” “Ah,
yes, the wolf is near,” the shepherd said. “But”—strange and sweet the words Divine of yore Fell on his startled ear: “I am the door!” When skies are sown with stars, and I may trace The velvet shadows in this narrow space, I lay me down. No silly sheep may go Without the fold but I, the shepherd know. Nor need my cherished flock, close-sheltered, warm, Fear ravening wolf, save o’er my prostrate
form. O word of Christ—illumined
evermore For us His timid
sheep—”I am the Door.” (Author
Unknown)
Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.
This is one of several slightly different versions of the well
known title. It touched my heart. Maybe it will touch yours, too. Cindy
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ If Tomorrow Never Comes @ @ If
I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I
would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep. . If
I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I
would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more. . If
I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I
would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day. . If
I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to
stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you would know I do. . If
I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well
I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away. . For
surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and
we always get a second chance to make everything right. . There will always be another day to
say our "I love you's", And certainly there's another chance to
say our "Anything I can do's?" . But just in case I might be wrong, and
today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, . Tomorrow
is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the
last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.. . So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why
not do it today? For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, . That
you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and
you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. . So
hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, Tell
them how much you love the mand
that you'll always hold them dear, . Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay". And
if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today
But I do not want
you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep
in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and
remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And
the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore
comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
. The Rod and The Staff 1. A rod is a switch used to keep the sheep from straying and going where they need to go. 2. A staff is a walking stick, it is used to extend
the reach of a shepherd to guide a sheep, but it can also be used as a weapon againt something attacking the sheep. 3. Thus David finds comfort in
the fact that God corrects him and guides him. 4. God’s chastening Chastening means God cares enough to want us to improve - Hebrews
12:5-14 It
is to keep us out of danger - I Corinthians 11:32 God inflicts for our good - Psalm 119:75 Happy is the person whom God chastens - Psalm 94:12 Jesus states - Revelation 3:19
5. God’s guidance God’s
laws are desirable - Psalm 19:7-11 God’s
commands will watch over you - Proverbs 6:22-23 Thus the Hebrew writer
spoke - Hebrews 13:5-6
Excerpt from sermon, A Song
of Faith by Jeffrey Hamilton http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org
What A Friend We Have In Jesus What
a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God
in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything
to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus
knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with
a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise,
forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace
there.
Friendship Some general
teaching about friendship. In the first place, the Bible says, "A man that hath friends must show
himself friendly" (Prov. 18: 24). Some are too distant to form friendships. There is great value in friendship. "Two
are better than one," wrote the wise man (Eccl. 4: 9). A true friend will stand by, even in times of trouble. "A
friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity," the Bible says (Prov. 17: 17). To the converse, the
Bible speaks of false friends when it warns, "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,
and a foot out of joint" (Prov. 25: 19). There are some people that are not desired to be friends. For instance, "Make
no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go" (Prov. 22: 24). A true friend will tell us
when we are wrong. Hear the Bible, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"
(Prov. 27: 6). Genuine friends must be cherished and not forsaken (Prov. 27: 10). Jesus and friendship. Jesus is the only begotten
of the Father, full of grace and truth (Jn. 3: 16; 1: 14). Yet, Jesus offers man his friendship. Jesus said, "Ye are
my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (Jn. 15: 14). Jesus is the ultimate friend of man. "Greater love
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn. 15: 13). Jesus tasted death for every man and
shed his blood for the remission of man's sins (Heb. 2: 9; Matt. 26: 28). In closing, true friendship is one of the great gifts of life. As we saw, man in his friendship
with Jesus, must obey Jesus (Jn. 15: 14). We must believe, repent, confess Christ's deity, and be baptized (Jn. 8: 24; Lk.
13: 3, 5; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Matt. 10: 32; Mk. 16: 16). Jesus' friendship is unequalled! http://www.biblequestions.org
Your prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies.
The LORD is
my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The
LORD is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked came against me
To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes,
They
stumbled and fell.
Though an army may encamp against me,
My
heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me,
In
this I will be confident. Psalm 27:1-3
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John
16:33
Therefore humble yourselves under
the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him,
steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the
God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish,
strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11
. As our providential “Host,” he prepares a table containing our needs. So confident are
we of his care, we can enjoy the sumptuousness even in the intimidating company of enemies. -Wayne
Jackson .
God shows His goodness where others can see. Oh,
how great is Your goodness, Which
You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In
the presence of the sons of men! Psalm 31:19 . But it also indicates that God gives and enemies are unable to hinder Him - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while
we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:8-10 . Who can interfere with God's gifts? What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who
did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who
shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It
is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession
for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:
“
For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for
the slaughter.”
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through
Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present
nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39
Jeffrey Hamilton http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org
You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs
over.
My Cup Runs OverBy Wayne Jackson Psalm 23 has been called the “Nightingale” song, because
it sings the sweetest at the midnight hour. The “title” suggests it is a “Psalm of David.” These superscriptions
(116 of them) are not a part of the original text, but they are very ancient, going back at least to the third century B.C.
(in the Greek version). The Psalm falls into two divisions:
(a) The LORD (Jehovah, ASV—the covenant God of Israel—Exodus 3:13-15) is portrayed as
a “shepherd” (vv. 1-4). (b) In verses 5-6, the LORD is represented as a gracious “host.”
Of special interest are the action terms and relationships, either stated explicitly or else implied. As a “Shepherd,” God provides for our needs, he makes us lie down for
necessary rest (sometimes even when we are inclined to resist), and he leads us beside calm waters. He restores
(refreshes and sustains) our lives, and guides us in righteous ways. He does not exempt us from dangerous
circumstances, but he does calm our fears, for we are confident he is with us, and in that
assurance we are comforted. As our providential
“Host,” he prepares a table containing our needs. So confident are we of his
care, we can enjoy the sumptuousness even in the intimidating company of enemies. From the background of the ancient world
comes the metaphor of anointing our heads with oil (a reviving comfort and/or symbol of honor). Our cup runs
over, and “goodness” and “kindness” are faithful traveling companions bestowed
for life. In his household the saved abide forever. The Overflowing CupOf special interest is the phrase,
“my cup runs over.” The Hebrew term suggests the idea of “saturation.” What a marvelous expression!
A “cup” is a drinking vessel, but in Scripture the term frequently is employed figuratively—either for an
abundance of blessings, or else the pouring forth of intense wrath (cf. Revelation 14:10). The former use surely is the significance of “cup” in this psalm. Elsewhere a psalmist asks: “What
shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the
name of the LORD” (116:12-13). The same sort
of symbolism is echoed in the New Testament when Christ described the reward of generosity: “[G]ive, and it shall be
given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over” (Luke 6:38; see David’s case in 2 Samuel
17:27-29 for an illustration of providential abundance). The words of the cherished song, “count your blessings; name
them one by one,” are sweet indeed, but it underestimates our blessings. The Christian could not completely compute
his blessings in an entire lifetime! Divine prosperity can be
measured in at least three ways—physically, materially, and spiritually. (a) Even those with severe health problems can thank God for the host of maladies they might have,
but do not. Under a mountain of suffering, Job still could say: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust
him” (13:15). (b) Contrasted to others, both ancient and
modern, Americans are “filthy” rich. In Jesus’ time, the average wage for a laboring man was about 1.5 cents
per hour—for a six-day, seventy-two hour workweek; thus a weekly salary of about $1.08 (see Matthew 20:2, 6). In 2005,
the annual per capita income in the United States was $41,399, while in Malawi, Africa it was $596. © How could the Christian possibly calculate the value of his spiritual blessings? One’s
soul (“life” eternal) alone is worth more than all the world’s real estate combined (Matthew 16:26); yet
in billions of instances it is treated as trash. ConclusionJesus declared: “To whom much is given, of him much shall be required”
(Luke 12:48b). That is a heavy load in view of our status in this land of “overflowing” prosperity. Far too many
have never appreciated the Savior’s admonition that “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things
he owns” (Luke 12:15). Unfortunately, more often than not, our things possess us, rather than the reverse being true.
The good steward (manager), who acknowledges God as the real owner of everything (Psalm 50:10), will serve
in happy anticipation of the day when he gives account for his management (Luke 16:2; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:2). It would be prudent as well to reflect upon what will happen to our resources once
we’ve passed from earth’s scenes (cf. Ecclesiastes 2:18-23). Stewardship applies not only to how one uses his
affluence while living—but also how he bequeaths it from the grave. http://www.christiancourier.com/
And I will dwell in the house of
the LORD forever.
Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep
with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus. Hebrews 13:20
David began this psalm with the proud proclamation, “The Lord is my
Shepherd.” He ends with the equally thrilling statement, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
And why wouldn’t he remain? He would be foolish to seek the shepherding of another master. While this statement is a reflection on the ability of the Shepherd, David’s
statement also says a great deal about the sheep. Despite the walks through the valley of the shadow of death, despite pasturing
under the menacing eyes of the enemy, despite having endured the sting of the Shepherd’s rod, David has no desire to
leave the house, the flock, the fold of the Lord. He wants to be a part of this family. -Edwin Crozier from
A Shepherd Explains Psalm 23 (see Comfort in Affliction page)
One thing I
have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That
I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And
to inquire in His temple.
For
in the time of trouble
He shall hide me in His pavilion;
In
the secret place of His tabernacle
He shall hide me;
He
shall set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 , I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That
I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD;
Be
of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait,
I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:13-14
The Church's Glorious Nature by Olden Holderby I appreciate the opportunity to share with you some thoughts on the above topic.
I am convinced that this topic has been greatly overlooked; so, let us go directly to our subject. Our theme comes from Ephesians 5:27; therefore, there can be no doubt that God intends for His church to
be glorious. The Random House
dictionary defines glorious as, "exalted praise, resplendent beauty..." Vine says it means, "held in honor, of high repute;"
and in this context, he used such words as splendid and gorgeous.
The New Testament uses the word glorious to refer to other things (nature, the eternal state of the redeemed,
etc.); but we are concerned only with the church. What do we think when we hear the word glorious? It may be that
we need to remold our thinking along these lines. The text says,
"...a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
Look carefully at the words, without blemish, holy, no spot, and no wrinkle. Perhaps these
terms do not require comment; but they do show good reason to think of the church as glorious. However, we need to
carry this further. What has God done; how did He design the
church so as to make it glorious? The church is glorious because of its equality. This begins with the "every creature"
in Mark 16:15, and the "every one that believeth" in Romans 1:16. The gospel terms of
pardon apply absolutely alike to every one; for there is no respect of persons with God (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11).
The men in the ghetto and the king on his throne have to obey the same terms in order to be part of His church. In Ephesians
2, Paul argues for the equality of Jews and Gentiles in the church. In verse 14, he said, "For he is our peace,
who hath made both one..." Equality most certainly exalts the church. The church is glorious because of what holds it together--a bond of love for God, for Christ, and for one
another. This emphasizes the fact that the church is composed of individual people who first have a right relationship with
God. Perhaps John gave us the best reason to love God and Christ, "We love him because he first loved us." (1
John 4:19) Jesus said that we are to love God with all our heart (Matthew 22:37). He who Loves God will not
find it too difficult to love his brethren. Paul said, "The
love of Christ constraineth us;" (2 Corinthians 5:14) It compels or controls us, and that is as it should be. In
Colossians 3:14, Paul referred to love as a "bond;” and the same author said, "love
never faileth." (1 Corinthians 13:8) Faith involves working by love (Galatians 5:6). A while back
I read where someone quoted a first-century writer who, in reference to persecuted Christians, said: "Behold
how they loved one another." This love for brethren in all ranks of life is wonderful to behold and to
experience. Indeed, it is wonderful to deal with people
who no longer lie, steal, cheat, deceive, envy or hurt others; but whose love for the truth abounds in their lives and relationships
with brethren. Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." This
bond of love certainly brings greater honor to the church. The
church is glorious because, in it, we find eternal hope. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we
are of all men most miserable." (1 Corinthians 15:19) Please understand, that the church is not the Savior; Jesus
Christ is the Savior. However, only through the church does Christ save people who are accountable. Paul told the Ephesian
Christians that in their past, they had no hope and were without God is this world (Ephesians 2:12), but he went
on to say that they had been: "made nigh by the blood of Christ," and that their hope was secure. This
hope, about which they learned through Paul’s gospel preaching, is laid up in heaven (Colossians 1:5). Paul
urged Christians to put on as a helmet, "the hope of salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:8) What wonderful hope!
It is a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19). The church is glorious because it makes it possible for the world (by observing the church) to see God’s
wisdom. "To the intent that now unto principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God." (Ephesians 3:10) This does not refer just to the gospel preaching done by the church. It
refers to all functions and relationships in the church. As God's people go about doing His will, God’s wisdom is clearly
seen. It is God's wisdom, the wisdom from heaven, which directs and gives glory to the church. The church’s glory is not merely something to see. I recall the first time I flew over Alaska. A small plane
was taking us from Anchorage to our destination on the peninsula. From a few hundred feet above the ground, the scenery was
unbelievably gorgeous. I recalled Isaiah’s statement, "...Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole
earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3) I didn’t really appreciate the scenery until I was back on the ground,
walking about and sharing its beauty. So it is with this glorious
church. Just observing it brings a feeling of awe; but the real enjoyment comes when we come down from our "observation
posts" and share with others the things that make it so glorious. Each participant assists with demonstrating
God's wisdom to the world. Our God provided a glorious arrangement! Many do not recognize and appreciate this aspect of God's church. This may well be the reason why some are unhappy
in the church; and it may be the reason many see no difference between the Lord's church and the denominations. Let us all
(beginning with ourselves) labor to remove every spot and blemish (sin), from this great and glorious church.
I think I understand what Paul meant when he penned the term "glorious
church." Do you? http://www.knollwoodchurch.org
How’s your heart? Joyce Jamerson
David
was a man after God’s own heart. We know him as a shepherd, poet, musician and singer; two-thirds of the psalms
are attributed to him. He was inspired by God’s creation as he kept his father’s sheep. The visual
images that come to mind in Psalm 23 however, are quite different in another of David’s psalms. The green pastures
and quiet waters that calm our anxious spirits are not calming at all in Psalm 51. David is lamenting the filthy side
of sin and knows he needs to be cleansed. The description at the beginning of this chapter notes that this Psalm took
place after Nathan the prophet came to David to confront him about his sin with Bathsheba. He convicted David with the
familiar story of the poor man and his favorite little ewe lamb; a family pet. (Read this account in 2 Samuel 12.)
David readily admitted his sinful actions.
David
is now asking God for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. His agony is clear in Psalm 51, considered the foremost
of 7 psalms of repentance (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143). David accepts responsibility for his wrongs and doesn’t
try to excuse his actions or pin the blame on anyone else. While Psalm 23 praises God for the restoration of his soul,
Psalm 51 in contrast, paints the agonizing picture of separation from God. He wants his joy to return! This time
of looking within reveals a broken heart. He examined himself and didn’t like what he found. He
wants to use the return of his joy to teach others the joy of knowing God.
God wants a pure, clean, humble heart and He delights in mercy, so David had
to put away the lustful, self-centered, prideful actions that led him into the depth of sin. When that clean heart is
restored and lips are used for singing and praising, David can once again enjoy the calm and quiet described in Psalm 23;
the image of our Lord as a protective shepherd.
I’d
be happy to give credit if I knew who originated the analysis below. Each time I’ve seen it, it has helped me
to stop and reflect on this psalm that we’ve probably known since childhood.
The Lord is my Shepherd – that’s relationship! I shall not want – that’s supply! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – that’s
rest! He leadeth me beside
quiet waters – that’s refreshment! He restoreth my soul – that’s healing! He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – that’s guidance! For His names sake – that’s purpose! Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death – that’s testing! I will fear no evil – that’s protection! For Thou art with me – that’s faithfulness! Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me – that’s discipline! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies –
that’s hope! Thou
anointest my head with oil – that’s consecration! My cup runneth over – that’s abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – that’s blessing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord – that’s
security! Forever – that’s
eternity!
Is
my heart ready to share eternity with God? How blessed we are to be able to examine our hearts; to see the consequences
of our faults through the eyes of another in Psalm 51, and through Psalm 23, to know the provision of forgiveness, rest and
healing as we continue to walk with God.
Walk
as David walked...in integrity of heart and uprightness..., 1 Kings 9:4.
Master of the Sheepfold
Oh the master guards
the sheepfold bin He wants to know, "Is
my sheep brung in?" And
he's callin', he's callin' Callin'
softly, softly callin' For
them all to come gatherin' in
Oh
the master of the sheepfold, who guards the sheepfold bin Went
out on the wind and the rain path, where the long night's rain begins And he said to his hireling shepherd, "Is my sheep, is they all brung in?" And he said to his hireling shepherd, "Is
my sheep, is they all brung in?"
And the hireling shepherd answered, "Oh there's some that's wan and
thin And
some that's got all weathered and they won't come gatherin' in They is lost and good for nothing, but the rest they is
all brung in They
is lost and good for nothing, but the rest they is all brung in
And the master of the sheepfold, who guards the sheepfold
bin Went
out on the wind and the rain path, where the long night's rain begins And he let down the bars to the sheepfold, callin' soft,
"Come in, come in" And he let down the bars to the sheepfold, callin' soft, "Come in, come in"
Then up through
the gloom in the meadow, through the long night's rain and wind Up through the wind and the rain path, where the long night's
rain begins Came
the long lost sheep of the sheepfold, they all come a gatherin' in Came the long lost sheep of the sheepfold, they all come
a gatherin' in
DAVID,
A MAN OF PASSION Joanne Beckley David lived his life at full tilt. Every thought and action was done with his whole heart. As God groomed him
for the tasks He placed before him, David faced every occasion with full integrity, honesty and honor. Even when he failed,
and he did many times, David arose with that same heart of honesty and sought the help of his Lord. As one reads the psalms
he wrote, we see how the wilderness shaped his thoughts and values. His poetry and music let us read his heart. His actions
let us learn of his loyalty, failures and righteousness. Can we not find the same heart within us? THE DESERT FORMED DAVID While growing up, caring for his father’s
flocks, David saw the potent beauty around him, recognizing the power and dominion of the God of heaven and earth. All alone,
he accepted and relished God’s care for him, just as he expressed in Psalm 23, using the metaphor of a shepherd and
his sheep. David also faced the harsh and unforgiving realities of the desert (deserted places). The desert became a symbol
to David of those who were against God in this world. Later, as a young man literally running for his life, he used the imagery
of his surroundings to compare with his own internal conflict. David was in battle, but with forces beyond the physical. He
was fighting for his very soul. The desert presented David with realities that were harsh and unforgiving. He used this imagery
to describe his feelings toward those who were out to destroy him. David loved the heights. His perspective of himself changed when he climbed to the top, giving a sense of total joy
and dependence upon God (121:1-2). David realized that he himself should only reach upward with clean hands and a pure heart
(24:3-4). All military strategy is based on controlling the high ground. David saw God in control of all from His abode on
high. DAVID SHARED GOD THROUGH
MUSIC David
was a shepherd and after the sheep were placed in safety for the night, he played music to relax the flocks. His talent was
well known in the area and men recognized it as valuable to even sooth a king (I Sam.16:17). David had two skills that he
took from pasturing sheep to serve in the presence of King Saul, a sling and a lyre. David’s love for song continued
throughout his life of bloodshed, a warrior who felt passion for music. Music feeds the heart. David recognized its power and made provision for instrumental and vocal talent in praise
to God (I Chron.13:7-8, ch.25). David was not an uninvolved monarch when it came to worship. He wrote lyrics, set them to
music, brought in the whole range of instrumentation, appointed professionals. David understood that music is therapeutic,
dealing with feelings of joy, sorrow or anger. Music
helped David to share with others his love for God and His handiwork, and David’s own deep need for his God (108:1-3).
David says he took all his significance and worth and expressed this in melodious passion. His music was directed to the Lord.
It was not undirected or misdirected. DAVID LEARNED THE VALUE OF LOYALTY David was a very gifted man and these gifts bred jealousy. He immediately found
favor with everyone in Saul’s household and King Saul’s son Jonathan had found a friend. When King Saul began
to act on his jealousy, it was his own son, Jonathan, who interceded on David’s behalf. It was Jonathan who bought David
time (I Sam.19:2), and showed up to comfort and encourage him (I Sam.20:1-2). Later Jonathan risked his life by going to David
to both warn and encourage his friend. “Jonathan strengthened David’s hand” (I Sam.23:16). They never saw
each other again. When the Philistines killed David’s his own king, he wept, but his grief for his dear friend was unbearable.
David wrote a song to express his feelings and asked that the song be taught to all the sons of Judah (2 Sam.1:18). He called
it “The Song of the Bow.” Only one
other individual was designated as “David’s friend” (2 Sam.15:37,16:16, I Ch.27:33). It was the prophet
Samuel who acknowledged that Hushai was David’s friend. When David was fleeing from Absalom and arrived at the Mount
of Olives, Hushai was waiting for him (15:32). David asked him to return to the palace and spoil any counsel against David.
Hushai did and saved David’s life. Friends protecting friends. David’s whole life was centered around loyalty -- loyalty to God, his nation, his men, his covenants, even
toward his enemies. But with Uriah (another mercenary) David’s loyalty became betrayal and treachery. Through David’s
sin, Uriah was placed by his commander in chief as the point man in an operation where everyone else retreated from him. David’s
passion for self-interest and self-protection ended by attempting to have an “underling” take the rap. It was
a true tragedy that David brought upon himself when he did not maintain hisintegrity as a friend. DAVID, HIS FAILURE AND
SUCCESS David’s
failures were so blatant. His failures with his children and in dealing with their sinful acts made him so immobilized that
he could do nothing but retreat from his responsibilities. David even cost his commander an entire year’s harvest because
of his non action toward his son Absalom (2 Sam.14:30). The sin he committed late in his life was a great warrior-sin. David chose to number the people. Joab objected for
he saw the problem, “Why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” (2 Sam.24). This was not a population census,
but a military-strength report . . . David had placed his trust in man and not in God. His punishment was great and overwhelmed
his soul. The plague sent by God killed 70,000 men. What a price for one man’s sin. God taught David a hard lesson and
he never forgot it. David pleaded with the Lord
to be forgiven and his pleading was based on God’s lovingkindness and compassion (Psa.51:1). He inquired of the Lord
in things great and small, and God answered him. David recognized his responsibility toward God’s covenant with him
and he understood that God would raise up one whose kingdom would be established forever (2 Sam.7:12). A LAMP PREPARED FOR
DAVID The Lord said David walked, “in
integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you and will keep My statutes and My ordinances”
(I Kings 9:4). God said David had a heart wholly devoted to Him, whereas his life records many dark episodes. We see
his heart for God in the Psalms, and his heart for other things also recorded. God saw a desperate heart seeking what is right
and good, depending on God’s grace to forgive his weaknesses. David recognized he was wholly dependent upon God
(Tit.3:4-8). And God blessed him, through His anointed, Jesus Christ.
“I will cause the horn of David to spring
forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame; But upon himself his crown shall shine.”
Psalm 132:17-18
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord
Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete
in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrew 13:20-21
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