Sunday, February 14, 2010

Green Pastures

He Makes me lie down in green pastures.
Ps23:2a

My shepherd leads me into green, lush pastures. He provides for my needs, food in this case. Not only food but the "pastures" are green...ripe and good to eat. Nourishing. So, satisfied am I with his provision that I lie down because I am full. There is an excess. He provides his grace in torrents. We receive more than enough. I can lie down not only because I am satisfied with his provision but because I am safe in his presence. He protects me from all things and watches over me with a never tiring eye. The shepherd gives his flock peace.

Friday, February 12, 2010

I Shall Not Want

...I shall not want.
Ps. 23:1

I shall not want, because the Lord is my shepherd. It is the LORD's personal characteristics that secure the fact that I shall not want. To want in this case is to lack something necessary. We will never lack what we need because our shepherd is sufficient. He has infinite resources. He has sanctified himself completely for us (John 17:19). That is, his entire self has been set aside since eternity to make sure we are completely saved and sanctified to him. What will he withhold from his beloved? His affection is for ME! He is my shield, my fortress, my rock, my shepherd. Who will harm me? Who will bring accusation against me? The word "shall" points to the future. God has provided for me, is providing for me and shall provide for me. He will provide in five minutes and he shall provide forever, and ever, and ever. I shall not want. Amen

Thursday, February 11, 2010

My Shepherd.

The LORD is my shepherd...
Ps. 23.1

The LORD is my shepherd, that is, the great I AM. Yahweh is the one who is my shepherd. The all knowing, eternally existent one. All powerful. He who is called "love" by John the disciple. He is the shepherd to me. A shepherd watches over his flock and cares for each individual sheep. He knows each sheep by name (John 10:3) and by the sheeps unique qualities. He has always known me. When I wander, he goes in search for me, bringing me back to the flock. When a "wolf" approaches, he protects me, sacrificing himself for my safety. He is my protector and provider. I listen to his voice and follow him. God is my shepherd. He is the good shepherd that lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).