Welcome to the next part of our series, "The Good Shepherd."
Text: Psalm 23
(A psalm of David.)
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
The LORD is our Shepherd. WE CAN FOLLOW HIM.
Overall Commentary: š
One of the most significant issues we have when reading the Old Testament is ethnocentrism. The definition of ethnocentrism is:
- Evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.
This series aims to show David's fantastic explanation in this Psalm for the close and authentic relationship God desires to have in our lives. As Theists, we believe that God not only created the Universe but wants to have an active role in our lives. Psalm 23 is a prime example of His involvement.
Because the LORD is our Shepherd, we can live with the feeling of being TRULY BLESSED.
What does it mean to live the feeling of being TRULY BLESSED?
The confidence and attitude of being truly blessed is a position of thankfulness because you know "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME."
This is helpful because we do not always look at our current circumstances and see God as Good. He seems confusing or sometimes contradictory. This is probably because we are confused about what it takes to be blessed, and we often do not see God's Goodness because other things are in the way. David has been reflecting on all the ways God supplies his needs and finally sums it up with the exclamation of this verse.
Sheep Need A Good "Sheep Dog."
Every good shepherd has good sheepdogs. The sheepdogs are there to assist the shepherd and become an extension of His authority. They are responsible for guiding the sheep, getting the wandering sheep, and knowing how to keep them moving in the right direction over a long time. Sheepdogs do not usually retire because it is not in their nature. Many scholars see David discussing "Goodness" and "Unfailing Love" as God's Sheepdogs. These are the two aspects of God that encircle behind the sheep. The Shepherd leads the sheep forward, but God's goodness and love continue to go to those who wander.
Commentary
Verse 6a. "Surely"
David is pivoting from all He has said to now celebrating. This is another way of saying, "In light of all that I have already said." This is his signal that the grand finale has come. He has nothing left to prove. Because of all He has said, the rest will follow. This serves as the beginning of the bookend to the first verse.
Verse 6a. "Your goodness and unfailing love"
Many scholars see this as God's present help toward the sheep, actively working and making a way in the lives of His people. In keeping with the sheep metaphor, these would serve as God's sheepdogs that watch the back of the sheepfold.
Goodness- This is God's grace, provision, and blessing. This is how God guides us; we can trust in God's "moral compass" and sufficiency. He guides us in more ways than we realize, and we trust that He cares for us in more ways than we will ever realize.
Unfailing LoveāThe Hebrew word is "hesed," which means faithful love. The nation of Israel celebrated this when they worshiped God and said, "For He is good. His faithful love endures forever." It is His love that continues to reach out over and over again.
Verse 6a. "Will pursue me."
This phrase is almost unique in this verse because it is meant in a good way. The idea of pursing something in the Bible is almost always meant as an enemy chasing something down. The idea is that God is not passive in His care for us. He is actively making Himself part of our lives. He is shepherding us along. That means He is in control, and He is leading.
Verse 6a. "All the days of my life."
This is a fantastic ending to this part of the verse. David says that throughout all life stages, God continues to be faithful. He is not a God for the young or old. He is a God for all.
Bottom Line.
God's Promise:
(1 John 5:18) We know that Godās children do not make a practice of sinning, for Godās Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
Julie Plagens
David Guzik
