Read Psalm 23
Above we read of the anointing of David as the leader of the nation. Here we read one of David’s psalms and of all the psalms this is probably the most well known. Being well known does not mean that we know its true meaning. It is a psalm that speaks about the blessing that comes from an obedient life with God. It is not simply that God protects us like a shepherd but that we like sheep need to follow the leading of the Lord who is our shepherd. There is a great difference between the two understandings. We drive our sheep to the place we want them to be, usually with a dog and dust. In the east the shepherd knew the sheep intimately and the sheep likewise recognised the shepherd. In that relationship the sheep were not driven but followed. As David well knew the shepherd was prepared to take great risks in order to protect the sheep. 1 Samuel 17:34ff: The sheep were under the care of the shepherd; yet the sheep also had to follow the shepherd if they were to receive the benefits of all that the shepherd could provide. It is this special relationship that is in mind as we read, there is a tremendous promise contained within this psalm: If we are prepared to walk in obedience with God, every aspect of our life and life to come are attended to. Conversely if we want to strike out alone we need to remember that on their own sheep are very vulnerable.
Prayer:
Lord God, you are the great shepherd of the sheep. You know far more that we, for we only know in part. Help us by your power to trust in you alone, to be guided by your loving hand and to find the good pastures which you have promised to all your people. Many have looked to you for protection and shelter, even those who do not know you lift their hands in pray and worship. So Lord we need not pretend that we have no need of you, for all of us need you. And you in your mercy meet our needs. Forgive us for pretending, help us to be real before you, teach us to see the world through your eyes as we rely on your love and forgiveness. May we use each and every gift and grace to bring comfort and help to those around us. Teach us good Lord to share through the grace you have for all. We thank you Lord that your promise is not for a special few but for each one of us. Yet though all are included we recognise that you know each of us personally by name. So Lord we offer you our thanks and praise. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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