The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.
Psalm 23

Notes

Psalm 23 is one of the Bible’s most beloved poems and best-known sections. It is poetic and instrumental in our understanding of how we can trust in God in life, death and eternity. The term The Lord references a king, who looks out over his people. In this kingdom, no one is in need or want and their worries are no more. As believers, our worries of the temporary and the cares of this world should not be a burden. The Lord has everything in hand.

The term Pastor derives from the Latin noun pastor which means “shepherd” and is derived from the verb pascere – “to lead to pasture, set to grazing, cause to eat”. Those entrusted in the care of a flock are to be like the Good Shepherd and Psalm 23 is the guide to how those called to be spiritual leaders should be.

1 Peter 5:2-4

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1 Peter 5:2-4

² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

Here we get a picture of provision and safety for the believer. There is enough food to sustain us and no dangers lurking in the shadows allowing the flock to lie down and not be anxious. Still waters symbolize stability and security without trouble or danger. Christ does this, with the Holy Spirit, to protect His flock providing care and provision as believers call on the Good Shepherd for help. Likewise, the pastor of a church is called to create a safe and honest home for its flock:

Fresh and nurturing messages so the congregation can grow. Nothing recycled or fitting in with earthly trends, just truth, compassion and maturity.
Safe space for cultivation. If the sanctuary is alienating the flock then it is not safe and truth is not in it. For Jesus, all can come to him.
Room for growth. A congregation does not stay the same. It grows. Whether in number or in maturity, there should be growth due to the sustenance and safety of the sanctuary.
No volatile current – there should be stability and steadiness in the church. A congregation cannot do the work of God if they are busy stabilizing the church and its leaders.

³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the path of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

He restores my soul… What a lovely phrase that enriches the spirit! Although the body is limited and weak, we can count on God to restore us and provide vitality. Likewise, we can trust in Him to guide us, providing us with moral direction and security. We need not worry for if the Lord is our Shepherd we will not be led astray.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

Pastors have the responsibility of leading their flock on the path of righteousness and away from temptations. It is easier to fall into the trap of greed, self-righteousness and self-importance than it is to lead people away from the corruptions of their hearts and lead them on the path of generosity, humility and compassion.

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.

As believers, we need not be afraid of death. It is important to remember that the world is temporary and with accepting the gift of life, we need not fear the result of sin. For our sins have been forgiven and our debt paid. Nothing in this world should cause us to fear or tremble. Our strength is in the Lord who walks beside us, guiding us through darkness and uncertainty.

The rod represents protection and the staff symbolizes support. There is no promise of immunity from pain, suffering or trouble. Only that the Good Shepherd will provide guidance and comfort in our time of need. Likewise, pastors are called to provide guidance and comfort in times of need. Forsaking this purpose can lead many to be left adrift.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Pastors and ministry leaders should not be a source of pain. They should exemplify care and compassion, even if they do not agree. There service is in the comfort and guidance not in self-promotion or personal gain.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

We now turn from the Lord as the Shepherd to the Lord as the Host. Enemies watch from afar as believers enjoy a meal as an honored guest. Shepherds would use oil to soothe scratches and wounds of their sheep. Priests would use oil to consecrate their work. With Kings, anointing oil is associated with a coronation. Not only are we well fed, but we are anointed with oil. Our souls are healed, made holy and accepted as inheritors of the Kingdom of God.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

My cup runs over does not imply riches or abundance in the material. When we think of the abundance of grace we have in Jesus Christ, our souls burst forth in grateful acknowledgment of His blessing and forgiveness.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

God is in readiness to bestow on his flock blessings and favor. We are no longer separated from God the Father because of Jesus who made the way to salvation and life through his death and resurrection. The temple that was once canvas and sticks then brick and mortar became internal and prevailing. As we accept the richness of God’s grace we can be led by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are with the Lord throughout all of our days and can have confidence in his deliverance.

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.

Psalm 27:4