the song of the shepherd (6)

 We come to the end of our reflections on the Song of the Shepherd today as we focus on the final verse of Psalm 23. 

There is a remarkable little sentence tucked into the book of 1 Samuel that offers tremendous insights into David’s faith in the Lord. Pursued by his enemies and forsaken by his friends, we read that David “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Samuel 30:6). He called to remembrance dependable truths about God that sustained him in the difficult moments of life. Perhaps the encouragement that David discovered in those moments of crisis is embedded in the psalm that has occupied our attention over the last 5 weeks.

We have reflected on the words of the shepherd boy who became Israel’s king. It’s clear that David had learned to trust God through the ups and downs of life. He writes about the Lord as a Caring Shepherd - a Shepherd who provided rest and nourishment; who guided him in the right paths and who was with him in the dark moments of life.

In the second half of the psalm, David portrays the Lord as a Gracious Host. David lived in fellowship with the Lord, enjoying the rich banquet that God had provided for him.

All of that brings us to the conclusion of this ancient and precious psalm. David ends by saying, 

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

“Goodness and mercy” were words associated with God’s covenant to Israel. However, what David does here is to personify them. David recognises that these twin guardians will always be at his back - “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” These qualities are not only solid and dependable - they are also energetic - because the word follow here does not mean to simply bring up the rear but to pursue all the days of my life…the black days as well as well as the bright days, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. 

God’s goodness and mercy are new to us everyday. Our assurance as Christians is lodged in these aspects of God’s character. Our trust is in his love for us as his children. Our faith has as its basis an unshakable reliance in his ability to do the right thing in any given situation. 

David concludes this precious psalm by saying, “…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The apostle Paul brings a new covenant emphasis to these words when he says, “Neither death, nor life…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

In Campbeltown there’s a square off the Main Street called Burnside Square. I remember walking round that square one afternoon and noticing a large bush that was beginning to shed its leaves. What this revealed was a small evergreen tree growing up at its centre. I thought then and believe now that this is an apt illustration of the Christian life. Autumn and winter will come to us all. We are like “the new grass of the morning - though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.” (Psalm 90:5-6). However, there is within us the equivalent of the evergreen - everlasting life and the assurance of our eternal home. God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

To him be the glory!

(picture - Looking to Arran from Troon)

the song of the shepherd (5)

 I’ve lived most of my life in rural communities within Ayrshire, Argyll and East Renfrewshire. However, for a three year period we lived and worked in the city of Nottingham with its typical urban landscape. After several months of living there I recall heading out of the city with our family for a day trip into the country. I was struck by the once familiar sights and sounds. What I most remember was looking out on flocks of sheep with their lambs in the surrounding fields and thinking how long it had been since I had witnessed this idyllic scene. 

Over the last four weeks we have focused on the pastoral landscape of Psalm 23, briefly reflecting on the provision, rest, guidance and protection of our Good Shepherd. 

Today we leave the world of the Shepherd and his sheep to focus on the word picture of the Lord as Host and we his guests. David says,

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (verse 5). 

In the world in which Psalm 23 was set, to eat and drink at someone’s table created a strong bond of friendship. It could also be the final act in a covenant agreement between two people. That was certainly the case in Exodus 24 with the elders of Israel. Moses prepared an altar, read the book of the covenant and the people pledged their allegiance to God. And then in verse 11 we read that the elders of Israel, “saw God, and they ate and drank.” The Gospel writers capture that same truth when they record Jesus announcing at the Last Supper, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood…” (Matthew 26:28).

The imagery of the Lord as the Gracious Host to his people is an integral part of the whole biblical panorama, from the symbolism of Joseph as the provider of food (Genesis 43:34) to the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 and the parables the great banquet and the marriage feast of the Bridegroom in the book of Revelation (see Luke 14:15-24; Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:9).

Returning to David’s words in Psalm 23 we find there a picture of calm assurance under pressure. Nothing is hurried, there’s no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door and yet the Lord prepares a table, and the believer sits down as if everything was peaceful. In many ways it points to the great and famous verses in Romans 8:31-39, that concludes, “nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

David and Paul remind us this week that we have infinite resources in Christ for even the worst of situations. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5).

(picture - near Lochinver)

the song of the shepherd (4)

 

A good number of years ago I climbed Ben Vrackie that sits behind the town of Pitlochry. From the vantage point of the summit I watched a massive bank of rain sweep down the valley. It wasn’t long before a bright and sunny day became rather dark and overcast. I must also say that I experienced a good drenching as a result!

As we come once again to the cherished Psalm 23 let’s remind ourselves of the path that we have travelled so far. In verse two David places emphasis on the rest that the Lord our Shepherd provides for us at the right time.

The terrain changes somewhat in verse three as the thought of our Shepherd’s guidance comes to the fore.

Today we enter a stretch of our journey through life that few of us wish to travel. However, David’s desire for us is that we see, among other things, the protection that Lord gives to his people.

We are no longer enjoying the rich, green pastures or the quiet waters. We now find ourselves in the dark valley. 

Depending on which translation of the Scriptures you use will determine how you look on the verse.

Some translations say,

“Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” (ESV). Quite clearly the thought is of a Christian looking out onto eternity. Here is a Christian passing from earth, the land of the dying, to heaven, the land of the living.

Others will say something like:

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley…” (NLT)

To translate the verse in this way widens the sentiment to include other crises in life apart from the final one.

Whatever way you look it doesn’t detract from the strength of David’s words or the wealth of meaning we find in this sentence. 

David says he walks through this dark valley. It’s almost as if he doesn’t quicken his pace but choses to walk with God. To walk as David did means the steady advance of someone who knows the road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path and feels secure.

There is realism in David’s words. We don’t always experience life as a warm summer’s day, enjoying rich, verdant pastures while resting beside quiet waters. The path of life does on occasions lead us through a dark valley with menacing clouds above us. And yet in these moments Israel’s king is able to rely on key truths about God that believers in every generation have given testimony to. He relies on:

➡️ God’s Presence

“I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”

In the dark valley the Lord is no longer ahead of us to lead us (as in verse 3) but along side us to guard and defend us.

➡️ God’s Protection

“…your rod and your staff…

The rod and staff are the means by which God governs and rules over our lives. C.H. Spurgeon called them “the ensigns of his sovereignty and of his gracious care.”

The rod was probably a kind of club used in defence to drive away wild animals. It was an instrument of authority. The staff was likely an instrument of support. The rod and staff underline the strength and care of our Shepherd even in the dark moments of life.

➡️ God’s Peace 

“…they comfort me.”

Unlike my day on Ben Vrackie, we don’t see ahead of time the steady advance of the storms of life. They hit us when we least expect and often leave us reeling in their wake. That’s why the truths found in Hebrews 13 are so precious in our journey through the dark valley:

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

(Hebrews 13:20-21) 

(picture - Rhue lighthouse)

the song of the shepherd (3)

The big idea in today’s sentence from Psalm 23 focuses on one of the most important truths in the Bible - the theme of righteousness. “He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (verse 3). Before we walk out onto the mountain trails, it would be helpful to spend some time in the shepherd’s hut pondering this great Bible truth. 

Paul urged Timothy to “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). Paul says that there are certain qualities that we ought to aim for in the Christian life and pursue relentlessly. And one of them is righteousness. 

If we scan the Bible’s teaching on this subject we learn at least two key truths:

➡️ Firstly, righteousness is a work of God that takes place in our hearts.

And so Paul writes,

“God made him who knew no sin also be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Paul is speaking of a right relationship with God. He declares us righteous through faith in Jesus and his death on the cross for our sins.

However, this is only the beginning of the Lord’s work in our lives. Paul will later write: “But you, man of God, flees all this and pursue righteousness…” (1 Timothy 6:11). Here he speaks of the purity of our character and conduct which pleases God. The pursuit of righteousness becomes a guiding light in our lives.

We are made right with God to live right before him.

➡️ Secondly, we should recognise that biblical righteousness is more than a private and personal matter. Jesus said so in his famous “Sermon on the Mount”:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

These words build on the law and prophets of the Old Testament with the emphasis on liberation from oppression, the promotion of civil rights, justice in the law courts, integrity in business dealings and honour in the home and family. Christians ought to hunger for righteousness in these areas as something which pleases a righteous God. 

As we leave the shepherd’s hut with this underpinning of biblical truth we are more equipped to walk the path of righteousness guided by the Lord.

Jesus spoke of two roads or paths that we can walk through life. There is the broad road and the narrow road. The broad road leads to destruction, but the narrow path leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). As God’s people, led by our great Shepherd, we walk the narrow way of righteousness. Please understand that this is not the path of the narrow-minded. Rather we travel on the narrow road because we walk within the parameters of God’s will. We rely on the strength which he gives to his people.

“He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” 

We honour our great Shepherd if we seek to live godly lives, walking on the narrow way of righteousness. And if we are led and guided by him we will know something of his care in our lives. 

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (Proverbs 4:18).

(picture - Neist Point, Isle of Skye)

the song of the shepherd (2)

There is a moment in the life and ministry of Jesus when he is confronted head on with the mass of humanity. His reaction is found in Matthew 9:36:

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” 

This was Jesus’ vision of the people of his day. And what he saw in the tiny nation of Israel 2000 years ago is really a microcosm of the world at large. It’s a picture of a vast, restless sea of humanity who lack help and direction in the most basic and fundamental matters of life. 

Into a situation like this Jesus’ words have enormous appeal:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Jesus’ invitation Matthew 11 finds echo in the opening sentences of Psalm 23.

Last week we reflected on:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (verse 1). 

This week we continue to focus on the Lord’s role in our lives with the following words: 

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul” (Verse 2-3a).

I would suggest that this sentence teaches that the Christian life has two sides - the contemplative and the active, and both, as this verse indicates, are fully provided for by the Lord.

➡️ First, the contemplative. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.”

What are these “green pastures”? As I referenced in a previous blog, they are especially the Scriptures, God’s Word - always fresh, plentiful, and never exhausted. There is no fear of biting hard ground when the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in. The teaching of God’s Word is rich and full; it is the food of our souls. 

In Joshua chapter 1 we find the Lord preparing Joshua for the great task of leading God’s people across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. He encourages Joshua - “I will never leave you nor forsake you…Be strong and courageous” (verses 5&6). And he challenges Joshua - “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; mediate on it day and night, so that you may careful to do every thing written in it” (verse 8).

The Lord commands Joshua to constantly ponder, reflect and meditate on God’s Word.

Just as food on a daily basis leads to the health and sustenance of our bodies, so the daily intake of God’s Word leads to the health and nourishment of our souls.

The 119th Psalm contains the following words:

“Oh how I love your law! I mediate on it all day long.”

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to  my mouth” 

David recognised that the Lord was his shepherd who enabled him to lie down in green pastures and for that to apply to us I take it to mean the verdant pastures of Scripture.

When by faith we are enabled to find rest in the promises of God, we are like sheep who lie down in fertile pasturelands, finding refreshment, rest and fulfilment. 

➡️ The other side of our Christian lives focuses on activity. We not only think but we act. We not only lie down to feed, but we also journey on in our walk with, and service to, God. And so David writes, “He leads me beside quiet waters.” 

What are these “quiet waters”? They may well be the influence and graces of the Holy Spirit as he guides us forward on the path of discipleship. Isaiah the prophet puts it this way, “Whether you turn to the left or to the right, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isa. 30:21).

Having reflected on the contemplative and active sides in a believer’s life, David concludes with a wonderful promise:

“He restores my soul.” 

When our soul is sorrowful, he revives it; 

when it’s sinful, he sanctifies it; 

when its weak, he strengthens it. 

This is the developing picture of the Lord that we find in Psalm 23. Like an eastern shepherd who ably guides his sheep, going before them, David says, 

“He make me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul” 

(Picture - near Machir Bay on Islay)