Jesus, The Good Shepherd (part 2)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - It was sometimes necessary for sheep to pass through dangerous areas – places frequented by robbers and wild animals. But the good shepherd would be on the alert against such hazards. For believers, members of Christ’s flock, even death cannot separate us from God’s love and provision. (Romans 6:23)
I will fear no evil – When we, through faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death, are in a love relationship with God, there is nothing to fear, for He is greater than anything that can hurt us. (1 John 4:18-19)
For You are with me – God is greater than anything we may face. He may not calm the storm we encounter but He walks through it with us and gives us the power to endure. (1 John 4:4)
Your rod – The shepherd’s rod was a weapon of protection against predators. God’s protection is over His people, fending off Satan’s attacks. (Psalm 32:7)
And Your staff – The staff was used to keep the sheep from going astray. Its crook was used to extract them when they became entangled in a bush or got too close to the edge of a cliff. Though it might have been uncomfortable at the time, it saved the straying one from harm. Our Good Shepherd does the same for us when we are headed in the wrong direction. (Proverbs 2:8)
They comfort me – Sheep, like we human beings, are always in danger of one kind or another. God knows exactly how to calm our fears and comfort us when, through faith, we allow Him to do so.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over – Here David changes from sheep to people, depicting a guest at a banquet in the safety of the host’s home. In arid, dusty climates, it was common for the gracious host to soothe the head and feet of his guest with perfumed oil, and quench his thirst with drink. David may have been thinking back to the shepherd’s provision of green pastures, calm waters, and oil that was applied to sheep’s head and nose as a deterrent to fly-like insects that are a great detrimental to sheep. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides for our necessities and so much more. (Matthew 6:30-34; John 10:10).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – Just as a good shepherd provides for his flock’s every need, so does Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, provides for His sheep – those who have been born into the family of God through faith is Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection. (Ephesians 4:10)
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever – Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection to life, He left Earth to return to His rightful place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords; seated on His throne alongside His Father. One day He will return to take His flock home to live with Him in a world that has no end. (John 14:1-6)
I will fear no evil – When we, through faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death, are in a love relationship with God, there is nothing to fear, for He is greater than anything that can hurt us. (1 John 4:18-19)
For You are with me – God is greater than anything we may face. He may not calm the storm we encounter but He walks through it with us and gives us the power to endure. (1 John 4:4)
Your rod – The shepherd’s rod was a weapon of protection against predators. God’s protection is over His people, fending off Satan’s attacks. (Psalm 32:7)
And Your staff – The staff was used to keep the sheep from going astray. Its crook was used to extract them when they became entangled in a bush or got too close to the edge of a cliff. Though it might have been uncomfortable at the time, it saved the straying one from harm. Our Good Shepherd does the same for us when we are headed in the wrong direction. (Proverbs 2:8)
They comfort me – Sheep, like we human beings, are always in danger of one kind or another. God knows exactly how to calm our fears and comfort us when, through faith, we allow Him to do so.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over – Here David changes from sheep to people, depicting a guest at a banquet in the safety of the host’s home. In arid, dusty climates, it was common for the gracious host to soothe the head and feet of his guest with perfumed oil, and quench his thirst with drink. David may have been thinking back to the shepherd’s provision of green pastures, calm waters, and oil that was applied to sheep’s head and nose as a deterrent to fly-like insects that are a great detrimental to sheep. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides for our necessities and so much more. (Matthew 6:30-34; John 10:10).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – Just as a good shepherd provides for his flock’s every need, so does Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, provides for His sheep – those who have been born into the family of God through faith is Jesus’ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection. (Ephesians 4:10)
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever – Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection to life, He left Earth to return to His rightful place as King of Kings and Lord of Lords; seated on His throne alongside His Father. One day He will return to take His flock home to live with Him in a world that has no end. (John 14:1-6)
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God.
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him and bless His name.
For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
(Psalm 100)
Glenda Collins Inman
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