Not So Fast!

I weigh over 200 lbs.

I have minimal survival skills.

I tend to wander away.

I cannot find my way home when I get lost.

I cannot get up when I fall down.

I need a shepherd.

I am a sheep.

You and I, we are no different than sheep.

A shepherd will do anything and everything needed to guide and protect his or her flock.

The Bible often compares people to sheep.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6a).

“Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100.3).

“And Jesus went throughout the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (And) when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36).

Harassed and helpless – let’s be honest, that describes us. When left to our own devices, devoid of Jesus, we are aimless and lost.

Just as any good shepherd, Jesus puts the wellbeing of his flock above all else.

Shepherds know their sheep in a very personal way. Jesus wants to knows his sheep, you and me, in a very personal way.

“I am the good shepherd…” (John 10:11).

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Psalm 23 is more than a “funeral” psalm. It is a beautiful narration of David’s intimate understanding that he is a sheep and his shepherd is all he needs. David knew the role of a shepherd; he was one.

I ask you to read Psalm 23. I will break it down into three sections. Three things any good shepherd does for his or her flock. 

The Lord is my Providing Shepherd (vv.1-3), Protecting Shepherd (4-5), Preserving Shepherd (6).

Allow me to offer my thoughts on what I see as important takeaways in each of the six verses.

“The LORD is my shepherd” (v.1): The emphasis is on the words “my shepherd,” evoking an image of a personal shepherd, someone with whom we are intimate with. Jesus is that kind of intimate friend to you if you allow Him to be. In fact, he loves you so much that He died for you.

“Lie down in green pastures” (v.2): Shepherds lead their sheep from lush green pasture to lush green pasture. The sheep can rest and enjoy nourishment before the next long journey. Jesus leads you to those same places.

“Beside still waters” (v.2): Sheep are afraid of moving water. The shepherd knows this and leads his flock to those crystal clear bodies of water that are calming and refreshing. Jesus does the same for you.

“Paths of righteousness” (v.3): Literally, the straight path. Since sheep easily wander, and are easy prey for wolves, their shepherd knows the simplest and safest path from point A to point B is a straight line. Jesus knows you and I also tend to wander, have little or no survival skills, and are easy prey for Satan. 

“For his name’s sake” (v.3): Think back to the burning bush. When Moses asked who he should say is sending him, God answered – “Tell them, I AM is sending you.” I AM, Yahweh, we tend to say Jehovah today. I AM is God’s personal name, literally means “I am the existing one.” God promised Moses to be up close and personal, He makes that same promise to you right now. For his name’s sake, He keeps His promises.

“Valley of the shadow of the valley of death” (v.4): Shepherds led their flock through often deep and dark valleys and wadis (dry river basin) to get from Point A to Point B. The shepherd knows this darkness freaks out the sheep so likely he or she talked to the flock that entire journey through that dark valley. “My sheep hear my voice … and they follow me.” Do you need to hear your Good Shepherd’s voice right now? Listen for it!

“For you are with me” (v.4): Shepherds never leave their flocks unattended! What did Yahweh tell Moses at the burning bush when Moses wanted to know if he was going alone? YHWH said: “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12) What did Yahweh tell Joshua as he stood shaking in his boots: “Just as with Moses, I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Then Yahweh said: “be strong and courageous” (v.6). How did Jesus end his Great Commission? – “And behold, I will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus makes that same promise to you!

“Rod and staff” (v.4): Shepherds use a rod to fend off wolves, and the staff to gently, sometimes forcefully, guide the flock. Both are for the comfort and protection of the sheep. Jesus also uses His rod and staff to protect and guide you.

V.5 – Talks of being the invited guest at YHWH’s banquet table. Guests were treated like royalty by the host in that day. So much so that expensive perfume was rubbed on the guest’s head as a way to say “You are special!” Jesus has a place at His table for you. He sees you as special, showering His love on you.

V.6 – Because the shepherd is always with the flock, the sheep knows goodness and mercy, both in the green pastures and dark valleys! And it implies, rather clearly, this goodness and mercy is both now and forever.

So, right now, will you embrace the profound intimacy offered by your Shepherd here in Psalm 23? Doing so changes everything!!!!

Picture yourself as a sheep, walking foot in hand with Jesus. Now that must be a funny picture; a four-legged hoofed animal with one of your feet in His hand, trying to walk, more like an awkward hopping. You and Jesus walking side by side, when a wolf suddenly rushes toward you with its sharp teeth ready to devour you. You can look that big bad wolf in the eye and say- “Not so fast buddy, I’m with Him!”