These are probably the most quoted Bible verses of all time and frequently associated with funerals and death beds. Even occasional church goers can quote part if not all of this song of David. We know it as the twenty-third Psalm. David composed this extended metaphor of praise to God based on his experience tending his father’s sheep as young boy. Possibly written when he escaped to Mahanaim during the civil war caused by his son Absalom’s rebellion. King David paints a mental image of how he perceived the Lord as his Shepherd throughout his life.
Incredible! The only word that describes the feeling one gets after studying a scripture for years, then a new light shines and you gain a whole new perspective. I’ve preached, taught, and quoted Psalms 23 at every funeral I’ve officiated. In the past weeks, the Holy Spirit has illuminated my understanding to truths I’d never seen. Yes, it comforts people at times of death, however its intended purpose centers on life—life with the Lord as our Shepherd. Phillip Keller, shepherd and author of A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, writes “the poet is recounting the salient events of the full year in a sheep’s life”.
Any shepherd will tell you shepherding sheep requires a lot of work. You wouldn’t find sheep on the top ten list for intelligence. Three characteristics are used to describe them—dumb, directionless, and defenseless. Sheep cannot take care of themselves and are helpless without a shepherd. Not the most flattering comparison but the Bible and Jesus often refers to us as sheep. Because like sheep we are helpless and hopeless without a Shepherd. But we can rejoice in the hope Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd . . .” (Joh 10:14).
The first requirement for any true shepherd is an unconditional love for his sheep. Jesus told His disciples, I lay down My life for the sheep (Joh 10:14). He fulfills all the responsibilities of the Shepherd David described in Psalms. Jesus protects us. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3). He finds good pastures. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture (Jn 10:9). He provides refreshing water. If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink (Jn 9:37). Sheep are prone to stray. For you were continually straying like sheep (1 Pet 2:25). Jesus is the Shepherd that leaves the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it (Lk 15:4).
However, we all know that life isn’t just green pastures and still waters. Difficult times come. The lush grass will eventually be grazed over leaving dry stubbles. Droughts dry up the refreshing waters. That’s when our Shepherd knows it is time to move. The route? Several versions translate it, the valley of the shadow of death (v4 KJV). However, others translate it more correctly, the darkest valley (NET & HCSB & NRSV) or the valley of deep shade (BBE). Remember this Psalms is about life and not death. No version says valley of death or this is the end. All versions have the word through—through the valley. The Shepherd knew when and where he would take them. Relocating to a new grazing area usually required passing through a valley with narrow gorges and steep cliffs. Darkness and shadows abounded coupled with loud echoes. Sheep, afraid of almost everything, walked close to their shepherd fearing no danger because they had learned to trust him to protect and take them through.
What happens when the enemies come out of their dens and hiding place for an attack? He prepares a feast right in their presence. We don’t have to cower in fear. The night before His crucifixion Jesus told His disciples, These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full . . . you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy (Jn 15:11, 16:20). In the worst times, the Lord prepares a great banquet for us. We can sit in His presence and feast on His blessings.
Several have written what they call an Antipsalm to describe life without Jesus as Shepherd. Instead of The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters, some say,
“I’m on my own. No one looks out for me or protects me. I experience a continual sense of need. Nothing’s quite right.” Or “I feel tired much of the time, even when I’m not at work. There are very few moments of quiet, both internally and externally. In my free time, I drift towards mindless entertainment as a distraction from the stressors of life.” My thought, I did it my way and look where it’s got me!
Valleys are temporary. They are never a permanent location. Your valley of darkness will end and you will again see the sun shining on new green pastures.
Sustaining Word for the Week: It’s About Life! Until I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever; goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life